Freephone 0800 043 5452 Office Mobile 07572 695083
Blog

CCTV Drain Surveys: Why Exeter Homebuyers Should Get One

At the Drain Guys, we have many years of experience providing CCTV Drain Surveys and dealing with drainage issues in Exeter. Take a look at our expert advice to find out more.

  • Friday, 23 January 2026 4:06 pm
  • Gavin Dimmock
5 min read (679 words)

Introduction

Buying a new home is exciting, but it’s also one of the biggest financial commitments you’ll ever make. Most new homebuyers in Exeter and across the country will get a survey before they move in, but there’s one area that isn’t fully covered by a normal survey, the drainage system.

Many homes and properties in Exeter are older and might still have ageing pipes and drains. These issues can be costly, disruptive and stressful to deal with if they’re not found until after you’ve already purchased your new home. That’s why a CCTV drain survey is a smart move before buying a new home in Exeter.

At the Drain Guys, we have many years of experience providing CCTV Drain Surveys and dealing with drainage issues in Exeter. Take a look at our expert advice below to find out more.

What is a CCTV Drain Survey?

CCTV drain surveys use specialised, waterproof cameras to inspect the inside of your drains and pipes. The cameras are fed through your drainage system while the footage is monitored by an expert drain technician. This way, they can quickly and easily identify any damage, leaks or blockages in the pipes without having to dig them up.

This process helps to save time and money, as well as reducing the amount of disruption to your home. The technician can then understand exactly how and why the problems are occurring, as well as identify any existing or potential problems. This could potentially save you from expensive repairs down the line.

Why CCTV Drain Surveys Matter When Buying a Home in Exeter

Exeter is home to a large volume of old and historic properties, particularly in central areas and conservation zones like St Leonards. This means that many homes throughout Exeter from Heavitree to Topsham and Exmouth have older drainage systems.

The older drainage system in Exeter can lead to cracked pipes and can often struggle to cope with modern water loads and heavy rainfall, leading to issues with damage and blockages. Older pipes and drains are also more susceptible to damage from tree roots causing cracks, blockages, and other problems that you might not find without a CCTV drain survey.

Typically, a CCTV Drain survey is not a service that is included in standard home buyer reports or full building surveys. If you’re buying an older home in Exeter, this service can be beneficial to you for a number of reasons.

For example, if you’re looking to buy a home in Exeter, a CCTV drain survey gives you:

  • Early warnings of any hidden issues with the pipes and drains before they become a potentially expensive problem down the line.
  • Peace of mind that the drainage system in your new home is working correctly, as well as confidence that you won’t face any unexpected drainage problems.
  • Negotiation power if any defects are found before you move in, such as requesting repairs, or asking the seller to adjust the price of the property.

Need a CCTV Drain Survey in Exeter? We Can Help

If you’re looking to buy a new home in Exeter and want to know more about the state of the drains before you do, we can help. At the Drain Guys every member of our team in Exeter is highly trained and experienced, helping to provide you with impartial, honest advice.

We provide CCTV Drain Surveys throughout Exeter  as well as Home Buyers Drain Surveys. If you’re thinking of buying a home in Exeter and would like to arrange a CCTV drain survey, contact us today.

WinCan City & Guilds Qualified CHAS Accredited Safe Contractor National Association of Drainage Contractors