If you’re facing drainage issues — or buying a home and want to avoid future headaches — a CCTV drainage survey could save you a fortune.
But how much does a CCTV drain survey cost in the UK?
Let’s cut to the chase: you’re typically looking around £500 for a residential survey. Commercial jobs? They can stretch from £500 up to £1,000+ depending on complexity.
That said, price is only part of the story.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through:
- The typical cost breakdowns (residential vs commercial)
- When you might need a CCTV survey — and why it’s a no-brainer in some cases
- What’s actually included in a drain survey
- Why the cheapest option isn’t always the best
- And how an expert provider like Terrain Surveys can take the stress out of the whole process
Let’s dive into it.
What Is a CCTV Drain Survey?
How It Works
A CCTV drain survey uses a high-definition, waterproof camera to inspect your underground drainage system.
Here’s what that looks like in practice:
- A camera is inserted into your pipes through an access point (like a manhole or inspection chamber)
- Real-time footage is relayed to an engineer who watches for signs of damage, blockages, or collapsed sections
- The entire inspection is recorded – with annotations and full condition ratings
It’s quick. It’s non-invasive. And it tells you exactly what’s going on below the surface.
Common Reasons for Needing One
Not sure if you need a CCTV survey? Here are a few red flags:
- Repeated blockages: If your drains keep backing up, you might have a bigger issue brewing below ground.
- Bad smells: Persistent odours can indicate a leak, partial blockage or broken pipe
- Suspected collapsed or damaged pipes: Especially common in older properties
- Pre-purchase checks: A survey can uncover hidden problems before you buy
- Planned building work: If you’re adding an extension, a Build Over survey is often required by your local Water Authority
- Insurance or legal disputes: A detailed report provides the hard evidence you’ll need to make a claim on your policy.
And in each of these scenarios, getting the right survey done now can save you serious money later on.
Typical Cost of CCTV Drain Surveys in the UK
Residential Survey Costs
If you’re a homeowner or buying a property, here’s what you’re likely to pay:
- Full CCTV drain survey with report and footage: from £500
- Includes high-quality video footage, annotated diagrams, drain mapping, and expert recommendations.
- This is the gold standard if you’re buying a property or investigating serious issues.
Key Price Factors
Several variables can push your quote up or down:
- Number of access points: More access chambers = more work.
- Property size: Bigger houses mean longer pipe runs to survey.
- Drain length and complexity: A straight 10-metre run is quicker to check than a maze of interconnected drains.
- Pre-survey jetting: If your pipes are clogged, jetting might be needed before the camera can go in — typically adds £150 to your bill.
Pro Tip: Always ask upfront if jetting is included. Some companies lowball quotes and add this later as an extra fee.
Commercial Survey Costs
Commercial and industrial sites need more in-depth work, so expect to pay more:
- Small business or retail unit: £500–£600
- Larger commercial properties or development sites: £600–£1,000+
What affects the price?
- Site complexity (e.g. multiple buildings, underground levels)
- Drainage length and diameter (larger bore pipes need crawler cameras)
- Reporting detail: Many commercial clients need CAD drawings, build-over compliance, or reports tailored to Building Control or Water Authority standards.
If you’re a developer or builder, a comprehensive survey isn’t just a formality — it’s critical documentation.
Key Factors That Affect CCTV Drain Survey Costs
You might’ve seen quotes for CCTV drain surveys swinging between £500 and £1,000 — and wondered what justifies the difference.
Here’s exactly what impacts the price.
Access to the Drainage System
If your manholes are buried under decking, paved over, or in awkward locations (like under a conservatory), that adds time and effort.
In some cases, engineers may need:
- Lifting equipment
- Confined space access so the engineer can enter
- Additional digging or reinstatement
The easier the access, the cheaper the job.
Blockages
Got a blockage? The camera can’t pass through until it’s cleared.
That means jetting — high-pressure water blasting to remove gunk, fatbergs, roots or collapsed materials.
Expect to pay:
- Jetting cost: £150 (sometimes higher for urgent callouts)
Some providers bundle this with the survey, others don’t. Always double-check.
Depth and Length of Drain Runs
The deeper and longer your drainage system, the more time and kit the engineers need.
- Standard domestic runs: Typically under 1 metre deep and 10–30 metres long
- Deep drains or long pipework: May require crawler cameras, winch systems, or additional crew
If your property has an old septic system or covers a wide footprint — expect the price to reflect that.
Type of Report Required
Here’s where you need to be careful:
- Basic report: Just a verbal summary or a few written notes
- Full report: Includes high-res video footage, screenshots, condition ratings, and recommendations
- Water Authority-approved documents: Needed for build-over consent or planning
- CAD drain mapping: Useful for architects, developers, or major renovations
The more detailed the report, the more time it takes to produce — and the higher the price.
Always discuss your specific requirements with the survey company when booking the job.
Location
If you live in London, you’ll typically pay 10–20% more due to higher overheads and demand.
Meanwhile, rural and northern areas often have more competitive rates — but also fewer specialist providers.
Hack If you need a survey in London, you may get a lower price if you choose a surveyor who is based outside London. Of course we recommend Terrain Surveys (with offices in Hertfordshire and the West Midlands).
What’s Included in a CCTV Drain Survey Report?
Not all reports are created equal. Here’s what you should expect based on your needs — whether you’re a homeowner, a buyer, or a developer.
For Homebuyers and Homeowners
If you’re buying a property or dealing with ongoing drainage issues, a standard full survey typically includes:
- Video footage: Clear visuals of your drains, usually on USB or download link
- Summary of issues: Cracks, root ingress, blockages, displaced joints
- Drain mapping: Layout of your underground system — vital for future repairs or extensions
- Recommendations: What needs fixing, how urgent it is, and estimated repair costs
This kind of report is essential if you want to avoid buying into someone else’s hidden nightmare.
For Developers and Builders
Construction-related surveys tend to be more technical and compliance-focused. Expect:
- CAD drainage plans: Drawings showing exact positions, gradients, and connections
- Material types and condition ratings: So you know what you’re working with
- Connectivity diagrams: How the drainage connects across different parts of the site
- Regulatory documentation: For Building Control or Water Authority approval, especially for Build Over applications
Real-world use case: If you’re building near or over public sewers, your local Water Authority will require this data as part of their sign-off process.
This is why it pays to work with a surveyor who understands your end goal — not just how to operate a camera.
Types of CCTV Drain Surveys
Different surveys serve different purposes. Here’s how to pick the right one for your situation.
Pre-Purchase Drain Survey
Buying a home? This one’s for you.
A pre-purchase drain survey gives you a crystal-clear view of what’s happening beneath the property — before you sign on the dotted line.
Why it’s worth it:
- Uncovers hidden defects that the seller might not know (or disclose)
- Helps you renegotiate or ask for repairs before completion
- Gives peace of mind that you’re not buying a money pit
Pro tip: Some mortgage lenders and insurers now ask for a drainage survey as part of their approval process on older properties.
Build Over Survey
Planning an extension?
If it’s within 3 metres of a public sewer, your local Water Authority may require a Build Over CCTV survey both before and after the build.
This includes:
- Accurate CAD drainage drawings
- Structural condition report of the affected pipes
- Connectivity confirmation
It’s not just red tape — it protects you and your neighbours from future drainage disasters.
Reactive Survey
Got an emergency?
If your drains have backed up, flooded or collapsed — a reactive survey will identify the issue fast.
These are usually booked last-minute and may include:
- Out-of-hours callouts
- Jetting to clear the blockage
- On-the-spot footage and diagnosis
Call-out rates can apply, so expect to pay a premium — but it could save your property from serious damage.
Whether it’s proactive planning or damage control, there’s a survey to suit every need — and knowing which one to choose can save you time, cash, and chaos.
Is a CCTV Drain Survey Worth the Cost?
Short answer? Yes.
A survey that costs a couple of hundred quid can save you thousands in unexpected repairs, property damage or even legal disputes.
Here’s how.
Value for Money
CCTV surveys are all about proactive prevention.
Let’s say a full survey costs you £500. That’s a drop in the ocean compared to:
- Replacing a collapsed drain: £3,000–£10,000
- Fixing subsidence caused by leaking pipes: £10,000+
- Legal bills in a dispute over faulty drains: £1,000s
For buyers, it’s about avoiding a bad investment. For homeowners, it’s about stopping small issues before they turn into big ones.
Insurance and Legal Protection
Most insurers won’t cover existing drainage issues that weren’t declared upfront.
But with a dated survey report in hand, you’ve got:
- Proof for insurance claims (e.g. flooding, water ingress)
- Documentation to support legal action or defend against one
- Evidence for warranty disputes on new builds or extensions
Some mortgage lenders even request one as part of their due diligence — especially on older or problem-prone properties.
Think of it like a homebuyer’s survey — for your drains.
Bottom line? A CCTV drain survey is a small price to pay for clarity, compliance and peace of mind.
Why Choose Terrain Surveys for Your CCTV Drain Survey?
There are dozens of companies offering CCTV drain surveys in the UK — but not all are created equal.
Here’s why Terrain Surveys stands out.
Specialist Equipment and Qualified Engineers
We don’t show up with a bargain-basement camera and a clipboard.
Terrain Surveys uses:
- Crawler-mounted HD cameras
- Winch-operated systems for deep or complex runs
- Waterproof, explosion-proof gear (where needed)
Our engineers are WRc-certified, trained to spot the problems that others miss, confined-space certified, and experienced in working across homes, commercial sites and construction zones.
Detailed, Accurate Reporting
Forget vague summaries and blurry footage.
Every survey we carry out includes:
- Clear, annotated footage and still images
- Pipe condition ratings based on WRc standards
- Tailored recommendations — including cost-effective repair options
- Optional CAD drawings and connectivity plans
Our reports are built for real-world decisions — whether you’re planning a build, chasing insurance, or just want peace of mind.
National Coverage and Reliable Service
Whether you’re in London, the South East, or anywhere across England and Wales, we’ve got you covered.
You’ll get:
- Fast turnaround times
- Flexible appointments (weekdays, evenings, even emergencies)
- A team that shows up on time, communicates clearly, and treats your property with respect
Don’t let mystery drains delay your plans or drain your wallet.
Whether you’re:
- Buying a home
- Planning a build
- Tackling a stubborn blockage
…Terrain Surveys can help.
We’ll give you the clarity you need — fast.
