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Blocked Drains Manchester
Trusted local drainage specialists

Pre-Purchase Drain Survey in Manchester

Comprehensive drain survey before buying a property.

  • Fast response across Manchester
  • Fixed pricing with no hidden extras
  • Fully insured drainage engineers
  • 24/7 emergency availability
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Pre-Purchase Drain Survey across Manchester

A pre-purchase CCTV drain survey is an essential part of due diligence when buying a property. Standard homebuyer surveys and building surveys do not include drainage inspection, yet drainage defects can cost thousands of pounds to repair and may not be visible from the surface. Our pre-purchase surveys use high-definition CCTV cameras to inspect the full accessible drainage system beneath and around the property, recording footage of every pipe run from the property to the point of connection with the public sewer. The survey identifies cracks, fractures, root ingress, displaced joints, bellied sections where water pools, and any areas of concern. You receive a detailed written report with annotated screenshots, a plan showing pipe routes and defect locations, and a condition grading for each section. This report is accepted by solicitors for conveyancing and can be shared with your surveyor, lender, or insurer. Having this information before exchange gives you the evidence to negotiate a price reduction, request repairs as a condition of sale, or make an informed decision to walk away from a property with serious drainage issues.

Signs you need pre-purchase drain survey help

  • You are about to exchange contracts on a property purchase and want full visibility of the drainage condition
  • The property is more than 30 years old and likely has original clay or cast-iron drainage
  • There are mature trees close to the property that may have caused root ingress into pipes
  • The homebuyer or building survey flagged damp, subsidence, or drainage concerns
  • Previous buyers have withdrawn from the purchase and you want to understand why

Our process

  1. 1.
    Book and Prepare

    Contact us with the property address and we arrange a survey date. No preparation is needed — we access drainage through external manholes and chambers.

  2. 2.
    Full System Survey

    We feed the CCTV camera through every accessible drain run, recording high-definition footage of pipe condition, joints, connections, and any defects encountered.

  3. 3.
    Analysis and Reporting

    Our technician reviews the footage and produces a detailed report with annotated images, pipe route mapping, condition grades, and clear recommendations.

  4. 4.
    Delivery and Support

    The report is delivered within 24 hours in a format suitable for your solicitor. We are available to explain findings and provide repair quotes if defects are discovered.

Pricing guide

A pre-purchase CCTV drain survey in the Manchester area typically costs between £180 and £350 depending on the size of the property and the extent of the drainage network. Larger properties with multiple drainage runs or outbuildings sit towards the higher end. The price includes the survey, a full written report, and annotated footage.

Pre-Purchase Drain Survey — frequently asked questions

When should I book a pre-purchase drain survey?

Ideally, book the survey after your offer has been accepted but before you exchange contracts. This gives you time to negotiate based on the findings or withdraw if serious defects are found. Most surveys can be arranged within a few days of booking.

Will the survey report be accepted by my solicitor?

Yes. Our pre-purchase reports are produced to a professional standard and are routinely accepted by solicitors, mortgage lenders, and insurers for conveyancing purposes. The report includes detailed findings, annotated imagery, and clear condition assessments.

What happens if the survey finds problems?

If defects are identified, you can use the report to negotiate a reduction in the purchase price, request that the seller arranges repairs before completion, or factor the repair costs into your decision. We can provide repair quotes for any issues found.

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