Buying a house is likely to be one of the biggest investments you’ll ever make.
Before signing contracts, most buyers arrange:
- a mortgage valuation,
- a structural survey,
- legal checks,
- and financial assessments.
But there is one part of the property that is often completely overlooked:
The drainage system.
At Dylex Drainage & Plumbing, we believe a CCTV drain survey is one of the smartest investments a homebuyer can make before purchasing a property.
Why?
Because once you buy the house, any drainage problems become your responsibility.
And some drainage defects can cost thousands of euro to repair.
Why CCTV Drain Surveys Are Often Overlooked
Most buyers assume that if a house looks good on the surface, everything underneath must be fine too.
Unfortunately, drains are hidden underground.
You cannot see:
- collapsed pipes,
- root intrusion,
- cracked drains,
- displaced joints,
- poor workmanship,
- hidden blockages,
- or damaged sewer connections.
The drainage system may look perfect from above while serious defects exist below ground.
In our opinion, drainage is one of the most overlooked aspects of buying a house.
A Real Example That Saved Buyers Thousands
One of the most valuable CCTV drain surveys we carried out involved a couple who were in the process of purchasing a property.
Before completing the purchase, they instructed us to inspect the drainage system.
During our CCTV survey, we discovered that the drainage lines had collapsed underneath an extension that had been built over the pipework.
Had the buyers completed the purchase without knowing about the issue, they could have inherited a very expensive repair.
Instead, they were able to return to the seller with:
- a professional report,
- CCTV video evidence,
- photographic evidence,
- and documented findings.
This allowed the issue to be addressed before contracts were finalised.
That single survey potentially saved them thousands of euro.
The Most Common Problems We Find During CCTV Drain Surveys
While serious defects are not found in every property, they do occur often enough to justify checking.
Some of the most common issues we discover include:
Collapsed Drains
One of the most expensive drainage defects.
A collapsed drain can cause:
- recurring blockages,
- flooding,
- foul odours,
- ground movement,
- and sewage backups.
Root Intrusion
Tree roots are constantly searching for water.
Once roots find a small opening in a drain, they can enter and continue growing inside the pipe.
We have encountered roots measuring 60–70mm thick inside drainage systems.
Without specialist equipment, root intrusion can become extremely difficult to remove.
Displaced Joints
Over time, pipe sections can separate and allow soil, roots, and debris to enter the drainage system.
Cracked Pipework
Cracks may not immediately cause a blockage but can develop into major problems later.
Poor Workmanship
Unfortunately, not all drainage installations are carried out correctly.
Poor falls, incorrect connections, and badly installed pipework are all issues we regularly encounter.
Extensions Built Over Drains
This is one of the most common concerns with older properties and home extensions.
If drainage systems are damaged during construction, expensive repairs may be required later.
Hidden Blockages
Many properties have developing blockages that homeowners are unaware of until they become serious.
How Much Could Drainage Defects Cost?
This is the question most buyers ask.
The answer depends on the severity of the problem.
Collapsed Drains
A collapsed drainage system can cost up to €10,000 or more to repair depending on:
- location,
- depth,
- accessibility,
- reinstatement requirements,
- and excavation works.
No-Dig Drain Repairs
Modern no-dig repair methods can sometimes repair smaller defects without excavation.
Even these repairs can cost €2,000 or more depending on the extent of the damage.
Root Intrusion
Root removal often requires specialist cutting equipment and professional drainage expertise.
Large root systems can be extremely difficult to remove and may require ongoing maintenance or pipe replacement.
Do Most Houses Have Drainage Problems?
No.
And that’s important to say.
Based on our experience, serious drainage defects are not found in every property.
In fact, we would estimate that only around 1 in 20 properties we inspect have major drainage defects that could potentially cost the homeowner significant money.
But when those defects are present, they can be very expensive.
This is exactly why surveys are worthwhile.
You’re not paying because every house has a problem.
You’re paying to avoid becoming responsible for the one that does.
Do Standard House Surveys Check The Drains?
In most cases, no.
A standard property survey may identify visible defects.
However, surveyors cannot see inside underground drainage systems without specialist equipment.
Mortgage valuations and structural inspections typically do not involve a full CCTV drain inspection.
This means serious drainage defects can remain completely hidden.
A dedicated CCTV drain survey is often the only way to know the true condition of the drainage system.
Which Properties Should Always Have A CCTV Drain Survey?
While every property can benefit from a survey, we strongly recommend CCTV inspections for:
- Older houses
- Properties with extensions
- Rural properties
- Houses with large trees nearby
- Vacant properties
- Homes with previous drainage issues
- Properties showing signs of slow drainage or bad smells
These properties have a higher likelihood of hidden drainage defects.
What Does A CCTV Drain Survey Include?
A professional CCTV drain survey typically involves inspection of:
- Foul drainage systems
- Surface water drainage systems
- Inspection chambers
- Access junctions (AJs)
- Manholes
- Underground pipework
The survey identifies defects and records their location for future reference.
Professional reports and CCTV footage provide valuable evidence should issues be discovered.
The Advice We Give Every Homebuyer
If there is one piece of advice we would give anyone purchasing a property, it is this:
Do not assume the drains are fine simply because the house looks good.
Many estate agents want the sale to progress as quickly as possible.
The responsibility for protecting yourself falls on you as the buyer.
A CCTV drain survey could be the difference between buying your dream home and inheriting a hidden drainage problem that costs thousands to fix.
Final Thoughts
A CCTV drain survey is one of the most affordable forms of protection available when buying a property.
For a relatively small investment, you gain visibility into one of the most important systems in the home.
You cannot see the drains.
You cannot inspect them yourself.
But once you own the property, you become responsible for them.
At Dylex Drainage & Plumbing, we’ve seen first-hand how a simple CCTV survey can save buyers thousands of euro, prevent future stress, and provide peace of mind before contracts are signed.
When buying a house, don’t just inspect what’s above ground.
Inspect what’s underneath too.