Pre-Purchase Drainage Surveys CCTV Drainage Surveys Before Buying  Property

Buying a property with defective or poorly maintained drainage can lead to unexpected repair costs.

Collis Drainage Services provides pre-purchase drainage surveys throughout Thatcham, Newbury and surrounding areas, helping prospective buyers understand the condition of accessible underground drainage before completing a purchase.

Why Have a Drainage Survey?

A standard property survey may not provide a detailed inspection of the underground drainage system.

A dedicated drainage survey can investigate accessible foul drainage and identify defects that may otherwise remain hidden.

A survey can be particularly worthwhile where a property has:

• Older drainage

• Septic tanks or private drainage

• A history of blocked drains

• Large mature trees close to drainage

• Extensions or alterations

• Unusual drainage arrangements

• Visible drainage defects

• Slow-running or frequently blocked drains

CCTV Drain Inspection

Where access permits, CCTV equipment can be used to inspect underground drainage pipework.

The survey can identify problems such as:

• Cracked or damaged pipes
• Displaced joints
• Root ingress
• Heavy scale or deposits
• Restrictions
• Collapsed sections
• Poor connections
• Unusual or altered drainage arrangements

High-pressure water jetting can also be used where required to clean accessible foul drainage before or during the inspection.

Drainage Beyond the House

The inspection can help establish the route and condition of accessible drainage between inspection points.

Where the drainage layout is unclear, drain tracing equipment can be used to assist with locating underground pipework and identifying its route.

This can be particularly useful with older properties where original drainage plans are unavailable or where the system has been altered over the years.

Septic Tanks & Private Drainage

Properties that are not connected to mains drainage require additional consideration.

Where a septic tank or sewage treatment plant is present, the condition of the system and its discharge arrangements can be investigated as part of a separate septic tank or private drainage survey.

If you are purchasing a property with a private drainage system, it is advisable to establish exactly what system is installed, where it is located and how it is operating before committing to the purchase.

Report & Findings

Following the inspection, a written report can be provided with relevant photographs and CCTV footage where appropriate.

The report will record the condition of the accessible drainage inspected and identify any significant defects or areas requiring further investigation.

The survey is an inspection of accessible drainage and cannot identify defects in sections of pipework that cannot be accessed or inspected.

Experienced Independent Drainage Engineer

Collis Drainage Services has more than 30 years of practical hands-on experience working with domestic, commercial and private drainage systems.

This experience is particularly valuable when investigating older properties, unusual drainage layouts and systems that have been altered over time.

Areas Covered

Pre-purchase drainage surveys are available throughout:

Thatcham • Newbury • Hungerford • West Berkshire • surrounding areas

If you are buying a property and would like the drainage investigated before purchase:

Call 07966 164315