CCTV Drain Survey for Business Hub Flooding in Woking, Surrey
We were recently contacted regarding about a CCTV drain survey in Woking for a local business hub on the outskirts of the town centre. The building housed several corporate offices, small businesses, and a large technology firm, making it a vital part of the local business community. Sian Jameson, the building manager, was responsible for overseeing the maintenance and smooth operation of the complex, ensuring tenants could conduct their work without interruption.
However, after several weeks of unusually heavy rainfall, Sian found herself facing a serious issue. Water had started pooling in the car park and the lower levels of the building, particularly near the basement. Tenants began complaining about the rising water levels, which were starting to affect access to parking spaces and, more critically, the underground electrical systems that powered parts of the building. If the flooding continued unchecked, it could cause costly damage to electrical equipment and create a safety hazard for employees.
Sian initially believed the water was simply a result of the excessive rain, but as the flooding persisted, it became clear that the building’s drainage system wasn’t coping with the increased water load. Despite having regular maintenance checks, the drainage system seemed overwhelmed, and Sian knew she needed to address the issue quickly to avoid further damage or disruption to the businesses.
Understanding the urgency, Sian reached out to Your Drain Experts, for our expertise in CCTV drain surveys and emergency drainage repairs. She had read some positive reviews about our services, particularly when it came to resolving complex drainage issues caused by severe weather.
Our team responded promptly to Sian’s call and we scheduled a CCTV drain survey for the following day at the Surrey office hub. Our technicians explained to Sian that the survey would allow them to assess the entire drainage system, including the underground pipes, to identify any blockages, damage, or other factors contributing to the flooding. The non-invasive nature of the CCTV drain survey meant that they could thoroughly inspect the system without the need for disruptive excavation work.
Our drainage team arrived at the Woking business hub with our specialist CCTV equipment. We began by inserting the cameras into the drainage access points located around the car park and the lower levels of the building. As the cameras travelled through the pipes, the live footage was transmitted to a monitor, allowing Sian to directly see exactly what was happening inside the drainage system of her building.
It didn’t take long for the problem to reveal itself. In several sections of the drainage pipes, particularly those running beneath the car park, our drainage engineers discovered large blockages made up of leaves, dirt, and debris that had likely been washed into the system by the recent heavy rainfall. The sheer volume of debris had accumulated to the point where water could no longer drain effectively, causing it to back up and flood the surrounding areas.
Further along the drainage system, the CCTV footage revealed an even more critical issue. One of the main underground pipes had partially collapsed, likely due to the increased water pressure from the heavy rain. The collapse had caused a significant narrowing of the pipe, creating a choke point that was severely restricting the flow of water. This was the primary reason why the drainage system was unable to cope with the large amounts of rainwater, leading to flooding in the car park and the basement of the building.
After reviewing the footage with Sian, the Your Drain Experts engineers recommended an immediate course of action. First, they suggested using high-pressure water jetting to clear the blockages caused by the debris and dirt. This would restore the flow of water through the pipes and prevent further backups. Second, they proposed repairing the collapsed section of the pipe using a no-dig drain relining technique, which would reinforce the damaged pipe without the need for excavation.
Sian quickly approved the plan, understanding that time was of the essence to prevent further flooding. Our team began work the next day, starting with high-pressure water jetting. The powerful jets of water blasted away the debris, leaves, and dirt that had been clogging the pipes, restoring the drainage system’s capacity to handle the excess rainwater. Once the blockages were cleared, the team moved on to the more complex task of repairing the collapsed pipe.
The no-dig drain relining technique involved inserting a flexible resin liner into the damaged section of the pipe. The liner was inflated and then hardened, forming a new, durable pipe within the existing one. This method not only sealed the collapse but also reinforced the entire length of the pipe, ensuring it could withstand future heavy rainfall without any risk of further damage.
The entire process was completed in just a few days, with minimal disruption to the office complex. Once the repairs were finished, Sian noticed an immediate improvement. The flooding in the car park subsided, and the water levels in the basement began to recede. The drainage system was now functioning at full capacity, able to handle even the heavy downpours that had been causing so much trouble.
Sian was relieved that the flooding issue had been resolved so efficiently, and the businesses in the office complex were able to resume normal operations without further concern. The CCTV drain survey had not only identified the root cause of the problem but had also provided a long-term solution that would prevent future issues.
Reflecting on the experience, Sian said, “When the flooding started, I was really concerned that we’d be facing major disruption, especially with how bad the weather had been. The last thing we needed was water damage affecting the building’s electrical systems. Your Drain Experts were fantastic. They came in quickly, did a thorough CCTV drain survey, and found the exact cause of the problem. Their team worked efficiently to clear the blockages and repair the collapsed pipe, and we haven’t had any issues since. I can’t recommend them highly enough. They really saved us from what could have been a much bigger disaster.”
