Frequently Asked Questions
Find quick answers to common questions about our CCTV drainage surveys, unblocking services, and pricing.
CCTV Drainage Surveys
What is a CCTV drainage survey?
A CCTV drainage survey involves passing a small, high-definition camera through your drainage system. It records video footage of the inside of your pipes, allowing our engineers to identify blockages, cracks, root ingress, collapses, or other structural issues without needing to dig up your property.
How long does a CCTV drain survey take?
A standard domestic CCTV survey usually takes between 1 to 2 hours. However, the exact time depends on the size of the property, the complexity of the drainage system, and whether we need to clear any blockages before we can get a clear view with the camera.
Do I need a CCTV survey before buying a house?
We highly recommend it. A standard RICS homebuyer's survey does not inspect the underground drainage. A pre-purchase CCTV drainage survey can uncover hidden, expensive problems (like collapsed pipes or severe root ingress) before you exchange contracts, potentially saving you thousands of pounds.
Are your reports accepted by water boards and insurers?
Yes. CleverWorks is fully WRC (Water Regulations Advisory Scheme) approved and we use LWA (Local Water Authority) approved software. This guarantees that our survey reports meet the strict national standards required by all major UK water boards, insurance companies, and mortgage lenders.
Blockages & Repairs
How do you clear a blocked drain?
Our primary method is High-Pressure Water Jetting (HPWJ). Our engineers are WJA (Water Jetting Association) trained to safely use powerful jets of water to break down and flush away blockages caused by fat, grease, wet wipes, and silt. For minor blockages, we may use professional drain rodding.
What is drain relining?
Drain relining (or CIPP - Cured In Place Pipe) is a "no-dig" repair method. If a pipe is cracked but hasn't completely collapsed, we can insert a resin-impregnated liner into the damaged section. Once cured, it creates a new, tough pipe within the old one, sealing cracks and preventing leaks without the need for disruptive excavation.
Who is responsible for a blocked drain?
Generally, you are responsible for the drains within your property boundary that serve only your home. If the drain is shared with a neighbour or sits outside your property boundary, it is usually the responsibility of your local water authority (e.g., Thames Water or Southern Water). We can help determine ownership during a survey.
Pricing & Service
Do you charge a call-out fee?
No, we never charge a call-out fee. We provide fixed, transparent pricing. You will know exactly what the job will cost before we begin any work, with no hidden surprises.
What areas do you cover?
We cover Surrey, Hampshire, and parts of Berkshire. Our key service areas include Farnham, Guildford, Aldershot, Farnborough, Camberley, Fleet, Basingstoke, Woking, Haslemere, Godalming, and Alton.
Do you offer emergency callouts?
Yes, we understand that drainage emergencies don't stick to office hours. We offer rapid response emergency callouts for severe blockages and flooding to protect your property from damage.