A drainage investigation starts with a symptom, such as a repeat block, a damp patch or a smell. The camera follows the pipe until it finds the fault. Clearing a block does not show why it formed. An investigation finds the cause, so the repair can fix the real problem.
Say which fixtures drain badly and when it happens. Say what you have tried already, since it saves time. This tells the engineer where to look first.
A camera runs from the affected area along the drain. It records each joint and connection until the fault appears. A long run takes longer, since there is more pipe to film.
The engineer notes whether the fault is roots, a collapse, a shifted joint or a poor layout. Footage and photos show where it sits. This gives you evidence to share with a landlord or insurer.
The report lists the options for repair. Ask for each option with a written price. Compare them before you decide, since methods and costs differ.
MyJobQuote gives £90 to £500 for a CCTV drain survey, with an average of £250. Survey Match gives £150 to £500 or more plus VAT. The two guides differ, so quote each by name. These are typical UK ranges, not York quotes, since prices vary by site. An investigation can cost more when the fault is hard to find, so ask for a written quote before work starts.
A survey gives a general view of the whole drain. An investigation starts from a symptom and follows it to the cause. The camera work is similar, yet the aim differs. Tell the engineer which one you want.
Often, yes. A camera can run under a building from a manhole or an access point. Tell the engineer where the extension sits, since it affects the route. Some runs stay out of reach, and the report should say so.
It can. Footage and a written report show the fault and its place. Ask your insurer what it needs, since each policy differs. Keep copies of everything, including the quote.
A repeat block usually means something in the pipe holds waste back, since waste cannot pass a snag. Roots, a sag or a shifted joint are common causes. A camera shows which one, so the repair fits the fault.
It can show cracks and open joints in a drain, which may leak into the ground. It cannot see every water leak, since a supply pipe is a separate system. If the damp has no clear source, ask the engineer what else to check.