How Much Does a CCTV Drain Survey Cost?

UK average CCTV drain survey costs in 2026

Prices across the UK generally fall somewhere between £85 and £450, depending on the type of survey, the size of the property, and how many access points are involved. A basic "look and see" inspection without a written report sits at the lower end. A full survey with a proper written report, footage, and drain mapping — the kind you'd want for a house purchase or a recurring blockage — typically lands in the £150 to £350 range for a standard domestic property.

Larger properties or more complex drainage runs push costs toward the £350–£450 mark, mainly because more chambers need lifting and more pipe length needs recording. Commercial surveys usually start higher again, often from £500, due to longer runs and different equipment.

What actually changes the price

• Length and number of drain runs — more pipework and more manhole covers to lift means more time on site.
• Access — buried or hard-to-reach chambers can add extra cost and time.
• Whether a written report is included — a verbal summary is cheaper than a full report with footage and a drainage plan, but far less useful if you need evidence for a solicitor, surveyor, or insurer.
• Whether the drain needs clearing first — if a blockage stops the camera passing through, jetting first adds to the job.
• How the quote is structured — some companies advertise a low call-out fee then bill per half hour once on site, which can end up costing more than a genuine fixed price.

Why a fixed price matters more than the headline number

The cheapest-looking quote isn't always the cheapest job. A "free call-out" that bills in 30-minute increments once the van's on your drive can easily overtake a fixed-price survey, especially if access is awkward or the run is longer than expected. Knowing the full cost before booking — survey, report, and unblock where possible — means no surprises on the day.

What BESA Building & Groundworks charges

Our CCTV drain survey is a fixed £200, covering the full camera inspection, a written report, and an unblock in the same visit where the blockage can be cleared without further work. If the survey shows root ingress or a collapsed section that can't simply be cleared, we'll give you a separate repair quote rather than force it — so the £200 is genuinely the number you pay, not a starting point.

Frequently asked questions