5 situations where booking a CCTV Drain Survey could save you a fortune of repair costs before they become a problem.
Before You Buy a Property
Drain surveys can be incredibly useful during the conveyancing period of buying a property. By using a CCTV drain survey a home buyer can find out if the drains of a property they are thinking of buying have any serious problems. It may be that the previous owner of a property has allowed their drains to deteriorate. Cracked pipes, root intrusion into drains and collapsed pipes are just a few examples of problems that a conventional home buyers survey may not detect. By finding problems such as these prior to completion of a property purchase, you can use your findings to negotiate the purchase price of the property down. Alternatively, you can ask the seller to fix any problems that are found.
When Blockages Keep Coming Back
A single blockage is usually just that, a blockage. However, if a drain continues to block after being cleared, then there may be a problem with the structure of the drain. For example, a bellied pipe which collects waste, or a section of pipe that has partially collapsed. A CCTV drain survey will reveal the cause of the problem so that any repair work can be carried out to solve the root cause of the problem, not just the symptoms.
After Ground Movement or Subsidence
Shifting ground can put a lot of stress on underground pipes, and the joining of the pipes can crack or come loose. As a result of ground movement such as subsidence caused by empty mineshafts, tunnel collapse or weakened foundations, underground drains can suffer serious damage. Initially the problem may only show itself in cracks to walls and paths above. A CCTV drain survey will identify if underground pipes have suffered similar damage and highlight any required repairs before serious damage is caused.
Before an Extension or New Connection
Another good reason to book a CCTV drain survey is if you are planning an extension and the drains are going to be built over. It is wise to carry out a survey prior to commencing building works and supply your architect or building control officer with a report of the existing drains in good condition. This will highlight any potential problems that could occur when building over drains and may save you having to open up the ground to repair damaged pipes at a later date.
An Unexplained Smell or Damp Patch
If you have a mysterious smell of sewage or a patch of dampness in your home which can’t be explained by any surface damage then there is a strong possibility that there is a leak in an underground pipe that has cracked. Knowing who is responsible for your drains and sewers is important, if they are private then they are your responsibility to investigate.
There is more on CCTV Drain Survey Birmingham at https://www.wilkinson-env.co.uk/drainage-services-cctv-surveys-midlands/cctv-drain-surveys/birmingham/.
Drain surveys take a couple of hours to complete and show you the facts – no more speculation.