The Benefits of a CCTV Drain Inspection

A CCTV drain inspection is an effective method for locating a drainage problem and working out the cause. But, what are the benefits of this service and how does it compare to other methods of drain inspection?

A CCTV inspection of a blocked or damaged drain can help pinpoint the location of a problem and the root-cause. During this type of inspection a camera, small enough to fit into the tightest of drains, is fed down through piping, providing a live feed to engineers on the surface. If the camera comes upon a problem, engineers will easily be able to see it.

Discovering a problem early is essential in preventing expensive replacements further down the line. A regular CCTV inspection can ensure that if there is an issue emerging, such as fissures, developing blockages or root ingress, it can be located and proactively dealt with, thus preventing an issue before it occurs.

Of course, the most significant advantage of a CCTV drainage inspection is that you can determine whether an excavation is required. Once the cause of a problem is diagnosed, through CCTV inspection, you can make an informed decision on whether it’s necessary to dig down and replace any drains.

How CCTV Drain Inspections Compare to Other Methods

The simplest method for inspecting a drain is by observing a manhole after flushing a toilet or running a tap. This is one of the quickest methods for diagnosing a blocked drain, as you will be able to easily see what does and doesn’t come through. Whilst this is a simple and quick method, it doesn’t locate exactly where the blockage is or what is causing it, unlike a CCTV inspection. Observing manholes is, therefore, a good preliminary check for blockages before other, more accurate, methods are employed.

Another simple method for investigating drainage problems is the dye test. Similar to the toilet flush method, you can put certain colours of dye into specific drainage systems and observe whether they come though by the colour. This is a much more identifiable and efficient method for diagnosis and can be useful in cases of water leakage in cellars and underground floors. Once the problem has been identified, a more accurate CCTV inspection can be used to pinpoint its exact position.

Lastly, the water test involves filling up a pipe and blocking off any exit points. If the level of water within the pipe remains the same, you can be sure that there are no leaks. However, this is more complicated than a CCTV drain inspection, as it involves working out the paths of a drainage system.

The Most Effective Method

Overall, there are a range of methods for zeroing-in on a drainage problem – some easier than others. Clearly, the most effective investigative tool is CCTV. Not only will you be able to see the problem, but you can also determine the appropriate action to take.