Buying a home is one of the biggest steps you will ever take. Most people focus on the look of the property, the location and the size of the rooms. What many buyers forget to check is the condition of the drains. A hidden drainage problem can turn into a costly issue after the keys are handed over. This guide explains what a drainage survey is, why it matters and what you should look out for when viewing a property.
Why drainage matters when buying a home
The drains around a house are just as important as the roof or the boiler. They remove waste water safely and protect your home from flooding and leaks. If something goes wrong underground you will not always see the signs straight away. A small crack or a partial blockage can grow into something more serious. Poor drainage can lead to damp patches, foul smells, backed up toilets and even structural damage in the worst cases.
A drainage survey gives you peace of mind before you commit to buying.
What a drainage survey involves
The most accurate way to check the drains is with a CCTV drainage survey. This is a detailed inspection that uses a small camera to travel through the pipework. It shows the condition of the drains in real time and highlights any faults.
You can read more about this service on our CCTV Drain Surveys London page.
A typical buyer survey will check for:
Blockages
Grease, food waste, wipes and scale can collect inside the pipes. A CCTV survey shows if a blockage is already forming or if the drains need cleaning.
Cracks and fractures
Movement in the ground, aging pipes or previous repairs can leave cracks. These may look small but they often get worse over time.
Tree root intrusion
Roots naturally search for water. They can find their way into even the smallest joint in a pipe. Once inside they grow and create a major blockage.
Collapsed pipes
If a pipe has collapsed it will need to be repaired or replaced. This is something you want to know about before buying a property.
Signs of wear
Older homes often have clay or cast iron pipes. These materials wear down and eventually fail. A survey shows where weak points are beginning to form.
What drains you should look at during a viewing
Even before a survey takes place there are a few things you can look for yourself. You do not need any tools. Just keep an eye out for:
Slow draining sinks or baths
This is a common sign of internal issues or early blockages.
Gurgling noises
If you hear air being pushed through the system it may point to a partial blockage.
Smells around the property
A foul smell near an outside drain often means waste water is not flowing correctly.
Standing water in the garden
Poor drainage in the ground can affect pipes and manholes. Puddles that do not drain away are worth noting.
Damaged or sunken ground
This could indicate a pipe below the surface has cracked or collapsed. For more information on dealing with blocked drains, see our Blocked Drains page.
How drainage problems affect property value
A home with faulty drains can drop in value. Buyers may walk away or request a reduction in price to cover repair costs. Some lenders also become cautious if there is known damage to the drainage system.
Problems that can affect value include:
- Repeated blockages
- Evidence of collapsed pipes
- Root intrusion
- Long term leaks causing damp
- Pipes that do not meet modern standards
A detailed survey gives you the information you need to negotiate fairly with the seller.
What buyers should budget for
The cost of repairing drains varies based on the level of damage. Some issues are simple. Others are more complex. Here is a general idea of what to expect.
Cleaning and unblocking
This is usually the most affordable fix. High pressure jetting clears debris and restores flow.
Repairs and patch lining
If a pipe has a crack or a small section of damage it can sometimes be repaired without digging. Patch lining places a protective layer inside the pipe.
Full pipe replacement
If the pipe has collapsed or is beyond repair it may need to be replaced. This is more expensive and depends on how deep the pipe is and how much excavation is needed.
Root cutting
Root removal and treatment may be needed if a tree has invaded the drains. For more details on drain repair options, visit our Drain Repairs page.
Why a drainage survey is worth it
Compared to the overall cost of buying a home, a proper drainage survey is a small investment. It protects you from hidden problems and stops you from inheriting someone else’s repair bill. Most importantly it gives you confidence that the property is safe and that the drainage system will work properly for years to come.
If you are buying a home and want a complete picture of its drainage condition, our CCTV drain survey service is the best way to get clear answers before you make your offer. Get in touch with our team to find out more!