A drainage investigation uses CCTV cameras to find the cause of a drain problem that keeps coming back. Unlike a routine survey, an investigation is targeted. We focus on your symptoms and trace the problem step by step to its source. It helps when you have repeat blockages, damp patches you cannot explain, bad smells or slow drains that do not respond to normal unblocking. We use push-rod and crawler cameras with pan-and-tilt heads, which give a clear view inside pipes, joints and hard-to-reach sections. The investigation maps your drain layout, finds the defects and shows what causes the problem. You receive a written report with footage, annotated images and specific recommendations. This evidence can also support an insurance claim, a dispute with a neighbour over a shared drain, or a planning application that affects existing drain routes.
We start by understanding the problem. We ask which fixtures are affected, when symptoms occur and what you have tried. This guides where we focus the investigation, because every drain fault has its own pattern.
We trace the drain from the affected area outward. We record every pipe section, joint and connection until we find the defect. Since we work in order, nothing gets missed.
Once we know the cause, we document it with annotated footage and images. The cause may be root growth, a collapsed section, a displaced joint or a design fault. However it looks, you get a clear record of what we saw.
You receive a detailed report that explains the problem and where it is. It sets out recommended fixes, ranked by cost and effect. We can give repair quotes straight away, although you are free to compare them.
The cost of a targeted drainage investigation in the Reading area depends on how complex the drain system is and how long it takes to find the issue. A straightforward case takes less time, while a hard one takes more. We give a fixed price before we start, and there is no call-out fee. Request your quote online.
A standard survey gives a general condition check of the whole drain system. An investigation is problem-focused, because we work from your symptoms to find one specific fault. Depending on what is needed, it may cover the full system or just the affected section.
Yes. Our push-rod cameras can reach pipes under extensions, conservatories and other structures through existing manholes and access points. If no access point is nearby, we can discuss ways to make a temporary one. That depends on the layout, since every building differs.
Yes, it can help. Our reports include timestamped footage, annotated images and clear condition notes. Because the report records what we found, it can support a claim or a dispute. Check with your insurer what they need, since each one has its own rules.
These guides explain the basics, because knowing the cause helps you pick the right fix.