Drain Surveys Before Buying a London Home: Why You Need One
Thinking of buying a house in London? Don't overlook what's underground.
When we are seeking out a new home to purchase, we tend to think of the big things — where it is, how much it costs, number of bedrooms, perhaps even the garden. But one of the most important checks could be overlooked: the drainage system.
In urban areas such as London, where buildings are 50, 100, or even 200 years old, concealed plumbing defects cost you a fortune. That's where a CCTV Drain Survey is a smart and reasonable step.
What is a CCTV Drain Survey?
A CCTV drain survey uses a small, waterproof camera to probe the state of pipes buried underground. It finds issues like:
- Cracked or collapsed pipes
- Tree root intrusion
- Fat or scale build-up
- Poor installation
- Blockages that are about to cause big trouble
You get a video inspection, diagnostics, and (where necessary) repair recommendations — before you purchase the property.
Why It's Particularly Relevant in London
London's pipes are a combination of ancient clay pipes, Victorian brick, and modern PVC — a recipe for disaster. And with heavy foot traffic, congestion, and constant building works in the city, underground pipework can relocate, crack, or slump unexpectedly.
- No surprise bills after purchase
- Bargaining power with the vendor
- Peace of mind that your new house will not be a money pit
How a Drain Survey Can Save You Thousands
Imagine settling into a new home only to discover water seeping back up in the kitchen or foul odors from the bathroom. One repair job at ground level can set you back £1,000 to £4,000 or more, depending on excavation or pipe replacement being needed.
With a pre-purchase drain survey, you can:
- Get the seller to fix it
- Negotiate the price of the sale
- Avoid unexpected repair bills
- Make an informed decision with no regrets
What Can You Expect from a Professional Drain Survey
Here at Marcel & Son, we offer professional CCTV drain surveys in London. This is what you can anticipate from us:
- Same-day appointments available quickly
- HD video recording of the drain system in entirety
- Unjargonised, clear report with recommendations
- No upselling and transparent pricing
Whether purchasing in Greenwich, Bexleyheath, Bromley, Dartford, or other parts of Greater London, we've got it covered.
Frequent Questions
Do mortgage lenders need a drain survey?
Not always, but more and more lenders now request them, especially on older buildings or those which have a proven history of drainage issues.
How long does the CCTV drain survey take?
Most surveys take 1–2 hours to conduct, and reports will be published within 24 hours.
Can I watch the survey?
Yes, quite a few buyers prefer to watch and see the inspection live.
Before you sign the dotted line, ensure that what's beneath your feet won't come back to haunt you.
Call Marcel & Son today to book your pre-purchase drain survey in London.
