
CCTV Drainage Surveys in Bedford
A CCTV drainage survey uses specialised camera equipment to inspect drainage systems without the need for disruptive and expensive excavation work. By deploying a camera unit into the pipework we are able to record high definition imagery and video allowing us to produce a detailed condition report on the system. It’s the fastest & most accurate way for Bedford property owners and developers to understand their drainage infrastructure, identify & locate issues, assess ageing pipework or simply gain peace of mind that the drainage system is in good working order.
In addition to a written report detailing the condition of the drainage system, we record valuable information such depths & invert levels, pipe diameter, discharge type (foul/surface/combined), direction of flow and connectivity plans. As standard connectivity plans will be provided as an indicative sketch within the report, however if you require an accurate connectivity plan then we can combine the CCTV drainage survey with a topographical or measured building survey to provide a geospatially accurate CAD plan of your site and assets.
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When & why to use it
You might need a Bedford CCTV drainage survey or Bedford sewer inspection if you:
- Need to identify the location & condition of your drainage infrastructure
- Are planning a construction or renovation project and need to assess how to connect to the existing drainage.
- Planning excavation work and want to avoid an accidental strike on the drainage system.
- Want to have your sewer network adopted by the Local Water Authority.
- Are buying or selling a property (private or commercial). Due diligence on the sub-surface drainage infrastructure is a worthwhile investment – out of sight shouldn’t mean out of mind!
- Own an older property with ageing pipes
- Want to verify a recent repair or new connection
By pinpointing issues early, a CCTV survey helps save time and money compared to guesswork excavations.
- ConstructionLine (Level 3 Gold Member): Rigorous checks on environmental management, quality management, equal opportunities, modern slavery and anti-bribery policies.
- CICES (Chartered Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors): Recognition as the leading professional body for civil engineering surveyors, ensuring our competencies are both relevant and meaningful.
- ISO 9001:2015: Internationally recognised quality-management standard, underpinning our commitment to precision and consistency.
- The Survey Association (TSA): Demonstrating our ongoing staff development via modular training, seminars and industry discussion days.
- CSCS: All site-visiting staff hold CSCS cards, confirming required qualifications and training for safe and compliant site work.
- Acclaim (SSIP member): Health and safety accreditation through Supplier Assessment Services, aligning with SSIP objectives to improve UK procurement safety standards.
- Two decades of expertise: Since our formation in 2004, our directors and surveyors have built a reputation for thorough, reliable underground inspections.
- Integrity, honesty & teamwork: Our core values drive every engagement, ensuring transparent communication and a supportive client experience from start to finish.
- Highly qualified professionals: We invest in ongoing training and the latest technology, delivering efficient, high-quality surveys that meet strict deadlines and safety standards.

Why Choose Terrain Surveys?
Local Expertise
Proudly serving Bedford and the wider Bedfordshire area since 2004, we operate from our Hertfordshire head office with in-depth knowledge of local ground conditions and drainage networks. Our proximity means rapid mobilisation, lower travel costs and a team that understands the unique challenges of Bedford properties—whether Victorian terraced drains or modern estate installations.
Accreditations & Guarantees
Trusted Team
Accreditations
- High-resolution video exports
- Annotated site plans marking defects and depths
- A clear, written summary with recommended next steps (and a rough cost guide)

Our CCTV Drainage Survey Process
At Terrain Surveys we’ve distilled our CCTV drainage surveys into four simple steps. No jargon. No guesswork. Just clear, actionable insights into your pipework.
1. Initial preparation
We start with a site walk-through to identify all access points—drain covers, inspection chambers and manholes. You’ll know exactly where we’ll launch the camera, and we’ll agree any safety measures before we begin.
2. On-site inspection
Our technician either feeds a push-rod camera into the pipe or lowers in a remote controlled CCTV crawler unit. The high-intensity LED lighting and remote-control pan/tilt give us an in-depth view of every joint, bend and connection. We pinpoint blockages, root ingress or structural defects and map the pipe’s condition and layout as we go.
3. Live video feed
Fancy watching? We can show you the footage on-site, so you see the issue in real time. It’s ideal for landlords or commercial clients who need immediate confirmation.
4. Post-survey reporting
Once the survey’s done, you’ll receive:
- High-resolution video clips of any problem areas, so you can see exactly what we’ve found.
- Annotated pipe-layout drawings, pinpointing defect locations, pipe gradients and depths.
- Photographs of defects, from cracks and joint separations to root ingress and collapses.
- PDF summary with plain-English explanations and clear, prioritised remedial recommendations.
- Connectivity Plan showing the layout and details of your drainage system cross referenced to the report for ease of understanding.

What Your Report Includes
When your CCTV drainage survey is complete, you’ll receive a comprehensive report designed to make the next steps crystal clear:
Everything is delivered electronically, ready for sharing with developers, architects, insurers or contractors. You’ll know precisely what’s going on underground – no guesswork, just actionable data.
- Early detection of hidden defects
Spot cracks, root ingress or collapsed sections before they become emergencies. - Significant cost savings
Avoid disruptive excavations and emergency call-outs by fixing issues at the right time. - Regulatory compliance
Essential for landlords, letting agents and commercial sites to meet health & safety regulations. - Peace of mind
A full record of your pipework’s condition gives confidence when buying, selling or maintaining your property. - Accurate diagnosis
High-definition footage and annotated plans ensure any contractor knows exactly what they’re dealing with.

Key Benefits
Choosing a Bedford CCTV drainage survey with Terrain Surveys delivers real advantages:
- Bedford Town Centre
- Castle Road & Castle Newnham
- Harpur, Goldington & Brickhill
- Kempston & Wilstead
- Wixams & Elstow
- Sharnbrook & Turvey
Service Areas
We cover all of Bedford and the surrounding villages, including:
Can’t see your area listed? Don’t worry. We cover all areas in Bedfordshire and the home counties
Customer Reviews & Case Studies
Reviews
Terrain Surveys Ltd have carried out a first class service of locating a drain pipe under my garden. Particular praise must go to Gareth and Euan, the onsite operatives who performed a first class survey on an extremely hot day. Consideration and care was exercised in my and my neighbours garden. Praise must also go to Sue in the office. All requests and questions were quickly responded to. Thank you.
Terrain Surveys have provided consistently high quality digital surveys for us for over a decade and we continue to use them through our work all over the UK - highly recommended
We have been working with Terrain surveys for more than 15 years. Terrain provide us with Topographic Surveys, Measured Building Surveys, 3D Revit Models and BIM, to an extremely high standard. They always provide excellent service and guidance throughout the entire process, and I would highly recommend their services.
Great surveys at competitive prices. Have used on two large jobs now and work has always been completed on time with the detail required. Recommended.
I gained quotes from 5 different surveyors for the same job, terrain came £700 cheaper then competitors.
CCTV Drainage Survey FAQ
FAQS
Most domestic surveys in Bedford cost about £500 + VAT, while larger commercial surveys tend to cost a bit more due to scale and complexity.
A typical single-line inspection takes 1–2 hours, including setup, survey and on-site debrief.
Yes. We require safe entry points—manholes or inspection chambers—to launch the camera. If these aren’t on your property, we’ll advise on alternatives.
Absolutely. We can stream the video feed to a tablet or monitor on-site so you see exactly what we see.

Our Recent CCTV Drainage Surveys
We conduct CCTV drainage surveys on a regular basis, up and down the country. Below are some of our most noteworthy CCTV drainage survey projects.
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