CCTV drain surveys are an essential tool in the world of drainage inspection. They provide clear, real-time visuals of the inside of pipes, helping drainage professionals diagnose blockages, leaks, and other issues. However, while CCTV surveys are an invaluable resource, they have their limitations. In this blog, we’ll discuss what these surveys can’t detect and why you still need drain unblocking services from blocked drain specialists.
1. The Importance of CCTV Drain Surveys
CCTV drain surveys have revolutionised the way drain unblocking services are delivered. By inserting a camera into the drainage system, professionals can identify visible blockages, cracks, and other issues within the pipes. The camera feeds real-time footage, allowing specialists to pinpoint the problem quickly and efficiently.
These surveys are incredibly effective for detecting surface-level issues such as:
Blocked drains due to debris or tree roots
Cracked or collapsed pipes
Leaks in visible areas
Blockages in difficult-to-reach places
However, despite their effectiveness in detecting certain problems, CCTV surveys do have limitations that require you to rely on emergency drain unblocking services in Dorset.
2. CCTV Drain Surveys Cannot Detect All Types of Blockages
One of the key limitations of CCTV drain surveys is their inability to detect all types of blocked drains. While these surveys are excellent for identifying visible blockages caused by objects, tree roots, or debris, they are not always effective at detecting more complex issues, such as:
Fats, oils, and grease: These substances can build up in the pipes over time, causing slow drainage and eventual blockages. However, they often don’t present themselves as obvious obstructions on a CCTV camera.
Collapsed pipes: If a pipe is fully collapsed, it might not show up on the CCTV survey. While the camera can spot cracks or fractures, a complete collapse can be difficult to detect without a more invasive inspection.
Intrusive tree roots: Although CCTV surveys can identify tree roots invading pipes, they may not capture their full extent. If roots have penetrated deeper into the system, they can cause ongoing issues that the camera doesn’t always reveal.
In these cases, it’s crucial to call blocked drain specialists who can assess the situation and provide comprehensive drain unblocking services.
3. CCTV Drain Surveys Cannot Always Detect Internal Pipe Damage
While CCTV surveys provide a visual inspection of the inside of the pipes, they are limited in terms of revealing the full condition of the pipework. For example, cracks or fractures that are not severe enough to allow water to leak out may not be easily spotted.
Moreover, CCTV cameras cannot always detect:
Internal corrosion: Some pipes, especially older ones, can corrode from the inside, weakening the structure and leading to eventual failure. This type of damage is hard to detect through a camera unless it has reached an advanced stage.
Root ingress: In some instances, tree roots infiltrate the joints between pipes rather than growing directly inside them. CCTV surveys might miss these smaller root incursions, which can later lead to significant blockages.
For such problems, drainage repair specialists will often need to perform more thorough assessments, such as pressure testing or more advanced diagnostics.
4. CCTV Surveys Do Not Identify the Cause of Odours
A persistent, unpleasant smell emanating from your drains is one of the tell-tale signs of a blockage. Unfortunately, a CCTV survey cannot accurately identify the underlying cause of these odours. While the camera may show you where a blockage exists, it won’t be able to confirm if the odour is due to organic matter, stagnant water, or a decaying blockage inside the pipes.
In this case, drain unblocking services are necessary to physically remove the cause of the smell, whether it’s a rotting blockage or a problem deeper within the drainage system.
5. CCTV Drain Surveys Cannot Assess the Condition of Gutters
CCTV drain surveys are designed primarily for the inspection of underground pipes and sewers. However, they do not extend to above-ground drainage systems such as gutters and downpipes. Gutter cleaning is essential to prevent water overflow and blockage, and while a CCTV survey might detect gutter-related issues when connected to downpipes, it won’t directly assess the condition of the gutters themselves.
For a full drainage solution, you may need to combine a CCTV survey with gutter cleaning to ensure your system is fully operational.
6. CCTV Surveys Can't Always Detect the Full Extent of Damage
Another limitation of CCTV drain surveys is that they may not always reveal the full extent of the damage to the pipes or the surrounding infrastructure. For instance:
Ground movement: If the ground has shifted or settled around the pipes, it may cause subtle deformation or misalignment of the pipes. This can lead to slow drainage or blockages, but might not be easily visible in a CCTV survey.
Hidden structural issues: The camera may fail to capture structural damage caused by external factors like flooding or ground shifting, which can cause problems that only become apparent over time.
In such cases, 24/7 unblocking services and specialist repair work are required to prevent recurring issues.
7. CCTV Surveys Do Not Provide Immediate Solutions
A CCTV survey is excellent for identifying the problem, but it does not provide an immediate solution. Once the survey has been completed and the problem has been identified, you will need to call upon emergency drain unblocking services to resolve the issue. This could involve high-pressure water jetting, root cutting, or other drain unblocking techniques to clear the blockage.
Moreover, drainage repair specialists may need to follow up with repairs or replacement of damaged sections of pipework. While the CCTV survey has helped locate the problem, the work doesn’t stop there.
8. When to Call the Experts: Drain Unblocking Services
If you’re experiencing a blockage or drainage issue that’s not fully addressed by a CCTV survey, it’s time to call drain unblocking specialists. A professional drainage service will not only carry out a thorough inspection but will also use the right equipment to resolve the issue. Whether it's a minor blockage or a more complex problem, calling 24/7 unblocking service providers ensures a quick resolution.
Conclusion
While CCTV drain surveys are an invaluable tool in identifying and diagnosing drainage issues, they are not a one-stop solution. CCTV surveys have their limitations, particularly in detecting subtle problems like internal corrosion, undetectable blockages caused by fats or grease, and damage beyond the scope of the camera’s view.
To address these limitations, blocked drain specialists and drainage repair specialists are crucial for comprehensive and effective drain unblocking services. If you're dealing with a drainage emergency or ongoing issues, relying on professional expertise ensures the problem is not only identified but resolved efficiently.
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