CCTV Drain Surveys in Hampshire: What Home Buyers Need to Know

Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions most people ever make. You'll get a structural survey, a mortgage valuation, and probably a solicitor's search — but one thing that's often overlooked is the drainage system.

A CCTV drain survey is a relatively small investment that can reveal serious problems before you commit to a purchase. Here's everything you need to know.

What is a CCTV drain survey?

A CCTV drain survey involves sending a small, waterproof camera through the drainage pipes of a property. The camera records footage of the inside of the pipes, which a drainage engineer then reviews to identify any issues.

The survey covers the main drainage runs — typically the underground pipes that connect the property to the public sewer — and produces a written report with footage and photographs.

What can a CCTV survey find?

Root intrusion — tree roots that have grown into older clay or concrete pipes
Cracked or collapsed pipes — common in properties built before the 1970s
Displaced joints — sections of pipe that have shifted over time
Blockages — build-ups of grease, scale, or debris
Incorrect gradients — pipes laid at the wrong angle
Shared drainage — pipes that cross neighbouring properties

Why is this important for home buyers in Hampshire?

Hampshire has a mix of property ages — from Victorian terraces in Southampton and Winchester to newer builds in Basingstoke and Eastleigh. Older properties are particularly prone to drainage issues, but even newer homes can have problems caused by ground movement, tree roots, or poor installation.

The key issue is that drainage problems are rarely visible during a standard viewing or even a structural survey. By the time a problem becomes obvious — a blocked drain, a foul smell, or a flooded garden — you're already the owner.

How much does a CCTV drain survey cost?

A CCTV drain survey typically costs between £150 and £300 for a standard residential property, depending on the size of the property and the length of the drainage runs.

That's a small price to pay when you consider that repairing a collapsed drain can cost anywhere from £1,000 to £5,000 or more — and that's before you factor in any damage to landscaping or driveways.

What happens if the survey finds a problem?

Negotiate on price — use the survey findings to reduce your offer
Ask the seller to fix it — some sellers will agree to repair drainage issues
Walk away — if the problems are serious enough
Budget for repairs — at least you'll know what you're taking on

When should you commission a CCTV survey?

Ideally, before you exchange contracts. Once you've exchanged, you're legally committed to the purchase — any drainage problems discovered after that point are your responsibility.

Most drainage companies can carry out a survey within a few days of being contacted, so there's usually time to fit one in before exchange even if you're working to a tight timeline.