DIY drain surveys vs professional services

Are you looking at local drain survey companies and wondering whether you could do the job yourself? Expertise matters when it comes to drainage systems. Whether you think there’s a drain blockage, foul smell or overflowing water, it’s normal to want fast answers at minimal cost. However, if you’re considering a DIY drain survey to save time and money, there are some key things to know.

What are the benefits of professional services for drain surveys?

Professional CCTV drain surveys aren’t just about feeding a camera down a pipe for visual footage. Certified drain surveyors have purpose-built, high-resolution equipment to inspect entire drain systems. This achieves accurate drain problem identification, and you’ll receive a full written report with evidence.

Professional drain surveys precisely diagnose issues like collapsed pipes, root ingress and defects. They may also be required as part of a property purchase, insurance claim or building work. Your drain survey company can help you interpret any complex findings and recommend the most cost-effective solution, saving you hassle and money.

Do you need tools for a DIY drain survey?

There’s a huge difference between having a quick look down a pipe to see if you can see a blockage and a comprehensive drain inspection. When looking at the pros and cons of DIY surveys, one of the drawbacks is that most households don’t have the equipment required. This includes drain cameras, access rods and monitoring systems.

Drain survey tools are expensive to hire and hard to operate without the right training. Even if you manage to access camera equipment that can be used inside drains, you’ll need knowledge of system layouts and safety procedures. You could also miss issues like hairline fractures and displaced joints if you don’t know the subtle signs to look out for.

What’s the cost of professional drain surveys?

The cost of surveys depends on the size of your property, access issues and how big existing problems are. Using a professional drain surveyor is a highly cost-effective way to get your system inspected without having to invest in your own equipment. It can also save you money by using the best drain surveying methods to catch problems as early as possible and avoid a future excavation. Ask a drain survey company for a free quote to understand DIY vs professional costs.

What are common drain survey mistakes if you do the job yourself?

DIY drain surveys often fall short by taking inadequate footage, leading to missed issues, which is especially problematic if there are structural failures. DIY troubleshooting for drains may result in the misdiagnosis of problems if you haven’t had years of training and experience. Safety precautions for surveys can also be lacking if you do it yourself, leading to contamination or injury.