CCTV Drain Survey Saves Wimbledon Homeowner Thousands

We were contacted by a homeowner in Wimbledon, SW19 who had recently experienced ongoing drainage problems. Another contractor had attended the property to clear a blockage and advised that the drain was fractured along its entire length and would need to be completely replaced – a recommendation that would have involved extensive excavation, disruption and significant cost.

Wanting a second opinion, the client asked us to carry out a professional CCTV drain survey to fully assess the condition of the underground pipework before committing to such major works.

Using high-resolution CCTV camera equipment, we carried out a full inspection of the drainage system. While we did identify defects that required prompt attention, the situation was nowhere near as severe as initially suggested.

The main issue was located at the base of the soil and vent pipe, where long-term leakage had caused damage and saturated the surrounding ground with wastewater. Left unresolved, this could have continued to worsen and potentially led to ground movement or subsidence over time.

Elsewhere in the system, we found minor structural defects but no evidence that the entire drain run needed replacing.

Rather than unnecessary full drain replacement, we proposed a far more cost-effective and minimally disruptive solution, including:

• One small, localised excavation at the worst-affected area

• Replacement of the damaged section with a new PVC rest bend

• Removal of contaminated and saturated ground beneath the pipe

• Structural soft felt drain lining to seal remaining defects and restore the drain to a fully watertight condition

This approach resolved the immediate problem, strengthened the existing pipework and extended the lifespan of the drainage system without the need for large-scale excavation.

By choosing a targeted repair and drain lining solution, the homeowner saved thousands of pounds compared to the original recommendation. The works were completed efficiently, with minimal disruption to the property and surrounding area.

All London drain repairs were completed to a high standard and are backed by our 15-year guarantee against faulty materials and poor workmanship, giving the client long-term peace of mind.

This project highlights the importance of obtaining a CCTV drain inspection before committing to costly drainage repairs. Accurate diagnosis ensures that only necessary work is carried out, preventing unnecessary expense and disruption.

If you’ve been told your drains need replacing, a second opinion could make all the difference.