Llanishen
A mix of 1930s semis around the reservoirs and newer estates further out — drainage age varies street by street, which is exactly why a survey is worth having before you assume the worst (or the best).
CCTV Drain Surveys in Cardiff — What's Included
Dwr Cymru Welsh Water is the sewerage undertaker for Cardiff, and building work near or over a public sewer normally needs a build-over agreement with them before work starts. A CCTV drain survey is usually the first step: it confirms the exact route and depth of the pipe you're building near, which Welsh Water needs to see before granting consent. We provide the drain map and footage your build-over application requires.
Cardiff's Victorian and Edwardian terraces in Cathays, Roath, and Canton were mostly built with shared clay drainage — a single lateral pipe often serves two or more neighbouring houses before it reaches the public sewer. A blockage or defect in next door's section can affect your drainage too, and it's exactly the kind of thing a CCTV survey reveals that a standard homebuyer's report won't touch, which is why we're often asked for a pre-purchase survey on this type of property.
Every survey we carry out is graded against the WRc Manual of Sewer Condition Classification (MSCC5) — the coding system solicitors, insurers, and building control recognise. You receive the coded findings alongside a PDF report with annotated footage and a drain map showing the route and any defects.
Request a fast, fixed-price quote online — the price is confirmed before we book the survey. Get a fixed-price quote →
Areas we survey across Cardiff
Whitchurch
A former village swallowed into the city, with older stone and clay drainage around the historic centre sitting alongside post-war housing on the surrounding streets.
Pontcanna
Tree-lined avenues and Victorian terraces mean root intrusion is a recurring finding — mature street trees and original clay pipework are a well-known combination here.
Grangetown
Dense Victorian terraced housing close to the River Taff, with shared drainage runs common between neighbouring properties.
How to book a CCTV drain survey
1
Request a quote
Use the form on this page — we confirm a fixed price before anything is booked.
2
Book a slot
We arrange a convenient time — no preparation is needed at your end.
3
HD camera survey
The camera passes the full accessible run, recording footage of every pipe section and joint.
4
Report & drain map
You receive the MSCC5-graded report with annotated footage and a drain map.
Common issues we fix
- Recurring blockages and slow-draining fixtures
- Bad odours and trapped wastewater
- Blocked external drains and gullies
- Emergency overflows and backups
What's included
- Initial on-site diagnosis and access checks
- Professional clearance equipment and safety setup
- Transparent explanation of required work
- Aftercare advice and prevention tips
Our process
Inspect
We assess symptoms and isolate the likely blockage point.
Resolve
We clear and clean drains using the right method for the issue.
Prevent
We provide practical recommendations to reduce repeat callouts.
CCTV Drain Surveys — frequently asked questions
What does a CCTV drain survey show?
A CCTV survey shows the internal condition of your drains, identifying blockages, cracks, root ingress, collapsed sections, and other issues with detailed footage.
Do I need a drain survey before buying a house?
We strongly recommend a pre-purchase drain survey. It can reveal hidden issues that could cost thousands to repair, giving you negotiating power or peace of mind.
How long does a CCTV drain survey take?
A typical residential survey takes 1-2 hours. You'll receive a detailed report with footage showing the condition of your drainage system.
Do you charge a call-out fee?
No, Emergency Plumber Cardiff 247 does not charge any call-out fees. You only pay for the work completed.
How quickly can you arrive in an emergency?
For urgent drainage issues, we aim to arrive promptly across Cardiff and surrounding areas, with urgent jobs prioritised.
Are you available for emergencies?
Yes, we offer 24/7 emergency drainage services across Cardiff and surrounding areas. Request a quote online for immediate assistance.
Helpful articles
CCTV Surveys
Why Every Home Buyer Needs a CCTV Drain Survey
A CCTV drain survey before buying a property can reveal hidden problems that cost thousands to fix. Here's what you need to know.
Drain Maintenance7 Warning Signs You Have a Blocked Drain
Catching a blocked drain early can save you hundreds of pounds in emergency repairs. Here are the key warning signs every Cardiff homeowner should know.