High-tech drain surveys are becoming an increasingly popular way of solving the problem of blocked pipes. Speedy Jet Plumbers provide CCTV drain surveys in Chelsea, Kensington, Covent Garden and across London. Here, we look at reasons why you might need one – and why we should be your first port of call if you think you have a drainage problem.
Before You Buy a Home
Drain surveys don’t normally come as part of a typical Home Buyers’ Survey (although some mortgage lenders may insist on it), but it’s always important to have an expert check the draining and plumbing of a property before you commit to buying it.
Doing so will give you additional security by flagging up any problems with the pipes and drains – particularly if you suspect there may be a problem. For example, if there are a lot of trees around the property, the roots may damage pipes going out of the house to the drainage system.
The survey could also flag up other structural problems such as infestations from pests such as rats, poor quality pipes and connection issues.
You may be responsible for getting the problem fixed (once you’ve bought the home), depending on exactly where the issue is. However your neighbour or the water company supplier may also be responsible.
If you do discover any issues prior to purchasing a property, you should be able to renegotiate the asking price if there are issues which are costly to repair.
If You Are Extending Your Property
You may be buying a property with the aim of extending it (or may already own the property). A CCTV drain survey will help identify the location of your drains, which could have implications for your plans. It will show you how many surfaces need to be dug up, and it will also show if you need to obtain what is known as a Build Over Agreement, where you agree to provide access to your water supplier so they can continue to maintain and clean the drains and pipes on your property.
If you do not opt for a Build Over Agreement, the only alternative is to put your extension somewhere else where it does not interfere with the existing drainage.
If You Are Leasing A Property
If you are planning on leasing out your property or are going down the buy-to-let route, drain surveys are also a good idea.
This is because, as a landlord, you have a legal responsibility for ensuring the sewage infrastructure is in good working order for your tenants. If any issues are discovered as a result of the survey, you may be liable for repairs (rather than the tenant).
If There is a Problem
Sometimes, drainage problems occur after the purchase of a property or once an extension has been built.
This could be down to a number of factors – such as fatbergs (oil and grease building up) trees being built too close to the system, and roots growing through the pipes or displaced joints, amongst other things. You may only realise there’s an issue once you realise your bath and shower water isn’t draining away properly (if at all) or that there are unpleasant odours around your home or business.
At Speedy Jet Plumbers we can also solve the problem of blocked drains, whether you live in Kensington, Covent Garden or other parts of London.
CCTV Drain Surveys in Chelsea from Speedy Jet Plumbers
We can carry out complete Push Rod CCTV and Crawler Camera CCTV surveys of your drainage system for planning, excavation and development work as well as identifying blockages, damaged pipework, pest infestations and other issues.
We can offer on-the-spot guidance and advice as well as supply finished digital plans and CCTV footage on a DVD for your future reference.
For more information about our CCTV drain services follow this link. You can also contact us by clicking here and completing the online form, or by giving us a call on 0800 999 1991.
