Common issues we fix
- Recurring blockages and slow-draining fixtures
- Bad odours and trapped wastewater
- Blocked external drains and gullies
- Emergency overflows and backups
What's included
- Initial on-site diagnosis and access checks
- Professional clearance equipment and safety setup
- Transparent explanation of required work
- Aftercare advice and prevention tips
How we grade defects: WRc and MSCC5 standards
Our CCTV drain survey reports follow the WRc Manual of Sewer Condition Classification (MSCC5), the industry-standard system Severn Trent Water and most UK drainage engineers use to grade pipe defects. Every crack, displaced joint, root intrusion, and area of deformation is coded to a structural or service grade from 1 (minor) to 5 (severe), so you get a consistent, professional assessment rather than a vague verbal opinion. This grading is what solicitors, surveyors, and insurers recognise, and it is what lets you compare findings against future surveys to track whether a defect is worsening.
Crawler cameras vs push-rod cameras
We select the right camera for the job. Push-rod cameras — a flexible rod-mounted camera fed through the pipe by hand — suit most domestic surveys of 100mm to 150mm drains and confined access points. For larger diameter pipes, longer runs, or where precise self-levelling footage is needed, we deploy a self-propelled crawler camera with a pan-and-tilt head, giving a steadier, more detailed picture of pipe walls and joints. Choosing the wrong equipment for the pipe produces poor footage and an unreliable report — our engineers assess access and pipe size before the survey to pick the correct tool.
What your written report contains
You receive a full written report, not just raw footage: a plan showing the surveyed pipe route and defect locations, annotated screenshots at each point of interest, an MSCC5 condition grade for every section, and clear recommendations for repair or further investigation. If you are dealing with a specific problem rather than buying a property, our drainage investigation service targets the survey to your symptoms. If you are exchanging on a property, our pre-purchase drain survey produces a report built for conveyancing.
Our process
Inspect
We assess symptoms and isolate the likely blockage point.
Resolve
We clear and clean drains using the right method for the issue.
Prevent
We provide practical recommendations to reduce repeat callouts.
CCTV Drain Surveys — frequently asked questions
What does a CCTV drain survey show?
A CCTV survey shows the internal condition of your drains, identifying blockages, cracks, root ingress, collapsed sections, and other issues with detailed footage.
Do I need a drain survey before buying a house?
We strongly recommend a pre-purchase drain survey. It can reveal hidden issues that could cost thousands to repair, giving you negotiating power or peace of mind.
How long does a CCTV drain survey take?
A typical residential survey takes 1-2 hours. You'll receive a detailed report with footage showing the condition of your drainage system.
Do you charge a call-out fee?
No, Local Plumber Coventry does not charge any call-out fees. You only pay for the work completed.
How quickly can you arrive in an emergency?
For urgent drainage issues, we arrive promptly across Coventry and surrounding areas, with emergency jobs prioritised.
Are you available for emergencies?
Yes, we offer 24/7 emergency drainage services across Coventry and surrounding areas. Request a free quote online for immediate assistance.
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