A drainage investigation uses a camera to find why a drain keeps failing. Unlike a general survey, it follows your symptoms. It suits repeat blockages, damp patches, bad smells, and slow drains that rods did not cure. Because the camera traces the pipe from the problem area, it can find the cause.
The engineer asks which fixtures fail and when. Since past fixes give clues, tell them what you have tried. This helps them decide where the camera should start.
A push-rod or crawler camera follows the drain from the problem area. It records each pipe section and joint along the way. Because you keep the footage, you can watch it later.
Roots, a collapsed section, or a displaced joint can each cause trouble. The footage shows which one it is, so you can see the fault yourself. As a result, you know what a repair needs to fix.
Ask for a written report with footage and clear advice. For example, it can rank repair options by cost, so you can compare them. Since a repair is a bigger spend, take time to weigh your choices.
The cost of an investigation depends on how complex the drains are and how long the trace takes. A quick find costs less than a long search. Because prices vary, ask for a written quote before work starts. Also ask whether there is a call-out charge.
A standard survey checks the condition of the whole drain system. An investigation starts from your symptoms and traces one fault. However, it may cover the whole system if the cause is not clear.
Often, yes. A push-rod camera can reach pipes under extensions through existing manholes and access points. However, if no access point sits close by, ask the engineer about other options.
A report with dated footage and images can support a claim. However, your insurer decides what evidence it accepts. Ask them what they need before you book.
It depends on how long the drain runs and how hard the fault is to find. A short run with an obvious fault takes less time than a long run with several faults. Since every property differs, ask the engineer for an estimate before work starts.