/ news / By

How Long Does a CCTV Drain Survey Take?

A CCTV drain survey is an invaluable tool for identifying issues and assessing the condition of your drainage systems. This is especially important if you are looking to buy a property (residential or commercial).

Calling in the services of a CCTV drain surveyor can save you thousands of pounds because it enables you to diagnose any issues in advance and then raise them before the property purchase.

That means you can have them rectified before buying, or request a discount off the buying price so you can get the problems fixed yourself.

But how long does this process actually take?

In short, the duration of a CCTV drain survey can vary depending on several factors, but understanding the typical timeframes can help property owners and managers plan accordingly.

Typical CCTV drain survey Duration

On average, a standard CCTV drain survey takes between 1-2 hours to complete. This timeframe covers the basic inspection of a typical residential property’s drainage system. However, it’s important to note that this is just a general estimate, and the actual duration can differ based on various circumstances.

Factors Affecting Camera Drain Survey Duration

Several key factors can influence how long a CCTV drain survey takes:

  1. Property Size: Larger properties with more extensive drainage systems will naturally take longer to survey. A small home may only take an hour, while a large commercial property could require several hours or even multiple visits.
  2. System Complexity: The layout and complexity of the drainage system play a significant role. Properties with numerous branches, bends, or multiple levels may require more time to navigate and inspect thoroughly.
  3. Accessibility: Easy access to drain entry points can speed up the process. Conversely, if drains are difficult to reach or require special equipment to access, this can extend the survey time. We have seen instances where properties have had extensions built over the access point, which means we’ve had to lift floors to access the manhole cover.
  4. System Condition: If the drains are in good condition, the survey may progress quickly. However, encountering blockages, damage, or other issues during the inspection can slow down the process as these areas require more careful examination.
  5. CCTV Drain Survey Depth: A basic survey to identify major issues will be quicker than a comprehensive inspection that includes detailed mapping and condition assessment of the entire system.
  6. Equipment Used: Advanced drain CCTV equipment with features like self-levelling cameras and precise location tracking may allow for faster surveys compared to older technology.
  7. Drain Technician Experience: Skilled technicians (like ours) familiar with various drainage systems and potential issues can often complete surveys more efficiently.

The Survey Process

Understanding the steps involved in a CCTV drain survey can provide insight into why the process takes the time it does:

  1. Initial Assessment (15-30 minutes): The technician will first assess the property layout and identify key access points for the drainage system.
  2. Equipment Setup (15-30 minutes): The CCTV camera and associated equipment need to be set up and calibrated for the specific conditions of the survey.
  3. Camera Insertion and Inspection (30-60 minutes): This is the core of the survey, where the camera is inserted into the drains and guided through the system. The technician will carefully examine the footage in real-time, looking for issues or areas of concern.
  4. Documentation (15-30 minutes): As the survey progresses, the technician will document findings, often marking the exact locations of any issues encountered.
  5. Retrieval and Cleanup (15-30 minutes): Once the inspection is complete, the equipment must be carefully retrieved and cleaned.
  6. Immediate Feedback (15-30 minutes): Many CCTV drainage technicians provide a brief overview of their findings immediately after the survey.

Extended Surveys

While most residential CCTV drain surveys fall within the 1-2 hour range, there are situations where surveys may take significantly longer:

  • Large Commercial Properties: Extensive commercial or industrial sites may require full-day or even multi-day surveys to cover all drainage systems thoroughly.
  • Problematic Systems: If significant issues are discovered during the survey, such as major blockages or structural damage, the inspection may need to be paused to address these problems before continuing.
  • Detailed Drain Mapping: Surveys that include creating comprehensive drainage maps or 3D models of the system will take additional time to complete.
  • Combined Services: When CCTV surveys are part of a larger service package, such as including drain cleaning or repairs, the overall process will naturally take longer.

Post-Survey Reporting

It’s worth noting that while the on-site survey itself may take 1-2 hours, the complete process often includes a detailed report preparation phase. This typically occurs off-site and can take an additional 1-3 days, depending on the complexity of the findings and the level of detail required in the report. This option is usually at an extra cost.

Conclusion

While a standard CCTV drain survey typically takes 1-2 hours, the exact duration can vary widely based on the specific circumstances of each property and the scope of the inspection. Property owners should discuss their specific needs with the survey provider to get a more accurate estimate of the time required for their particular situation. By understanding the factors that influence survey duration, property managers can better plan for these essential maintenance activities and ensure they allocate sufficient time for a thorough inspection of their drainage systems.