Taking care of your drains is essential for maintaining a healthy and functional plumbing system. One of the most effective methods for inspecting drains and identifying potential issues is through CCTV drainage surveys. In this article, our team explains the technology behind CCTV surveys and their benefits, with expert tips to keep your drains clear.
What is a CCTV drainage survey?
A CCTV drainage survey involves using small cameras mounted on long, flexible cables to inspect the interior of drainage pipes and sewer lines. These advanced high-resolution cameras capture real-time footage, allowing drainage experts to assess the condition of the pipes and identify any blockages, leaks, or structural defects. The footage is transmitted to a monitor with a screen, enabling a detailed analysis of the drain’s condition without the need for excavation or disruption.
Benefits of CCTV drainage surveys
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Accurate identification of issues
CCTV surveys provide a clear view of the drain’s interior, allowing our professional engineers to pinpoint the exact location and nature of any problems. This accuracy ensures targeted repairs, saving both time and money.
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Time and cost-effective
Compared to traditional methods, such as manual inspection or excavation, CCTV surveys are much quicker and far more cost-effective. They eliminate the need for extensive digging or trial-and-error techniques, reducing disruption to your property (and loss of business if it’s a commercial property).
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Early detection
By conducting regular CCTV surveys, you can identify potential drain issues at an early stage. This enables proactive maintenance and prevents minor problems from escalating into major plumbing emergencies.
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Insurance claims
CCTV surveys provide visual evidence of the drain’s condition before and after repairs. This documentation is valuable for insurance claims, ensuring a smoother process in cases of damage or flooding.
Tips for keeping your drains clear
- Avoid pouring grease or oil down the drain, these can solidify in pipes, causing blockages. Instead, let them cool and dispose of in your food waste.
- Install drain strainers or guards to prevent hair, food particles, and other debris from entering the drains. Regularly clean the strainers to maintain their effectiveness. Cleaning the bath plughole is not for the faint hearted but there are several handy corkscrew-type gadgets to ease the task.
- Dispose of sanitary products, wipes, and other non-biodegradable items in the bin rather than flushing them down the toilet. These items soon accumulate and cause blockages.
- Schedule regular drain inspections and cleaning by professionals. This helps identify and address potential issues before they become major problems.
- Be mindful of what goes down the drain. Avoid flushing items such as cotton balls, dental floss, and cat litter, as they do not break down easily and can cause blockages.
- Train your children early! Nothing is more fun than dropping small plastic toys into the ready-made “mini swimming pool”, but teaching youngsters about the dangers of dropping action figures down the loo will save you a fortune when dealing with one of the most common causes of blockages.
- Check your trees and shrubs. Plants with large roots can sometimes invade cracked drains in their quest for water. A large tree root growing in your drains is not going to help you, your property, or the tree.
CCTV drainage surveys are invaluable tools for homeowners and businesses to ensure the proper functioning of drainage systems. Our engineers are always happy to show customers what’s on their screens, and provide a guided tour of your drains. It’s not everyone’s cup of tea but can be a fascinating experience exploring what’s going on deep beneath your home.
By providing accurate and detailed information about the condition of the drains, a survey allows for proactive maintenance, cost-effective repairs, and prevention of major plumbing emergencies. So, if you’ve got a drainage blockage – and you’ve tried all the proprietary treatments without success – give Bromley Plumbers a call today to book a CCTV inspection and let’s get the problem sorted fast.
