Pre-purchase drain survey reports

What’s in a pre-purchase drain survey report?

Property buying is one of the most significant (and expensive!) investments you’ll make in your lifetime. While there’s plenty of excitement when searching for the perfect home, it’s important to ensure all the necessary checks are made to avoid potential problems after moving in. This includes pre-purchase drain surveys.

Do I need a drain survey before buying a house?

Standard property surveys don’t provide a detailed look at drains. While not a legal requirement, pre-purchase drain surveys are a crucial step in revealing underlying problems with the property’s drainage system.

While houses may seem acceptable on the surface, drainage systems conceal issues like blockages, leaks and structural concerns. If left unaddressed, it can lead to costly repairs and hassle after you’ve moved in, especially if there’s damage to the house foundations. By completing a drain survey beforehand, you may be able to negotiate repairs with the current owner.

Your property surveyor may also request a CCTV drain survey if they see cracks in the stone or brickwork around the drain.

What’s in a pre-purchase drain survey?

Pre-purchase drain survey reports offer insights into the condition of the drainage system. Using CCTV drain cameras, a surveyor will inspect the underground pipes and sewers, identifying any issues.

The report may include high-definition footage, diagrams of the drain layout (including manhole positions and where the drain connects to sewer lines) and outcomes of the assessment. This covers blockages, leaks, fatty build-ups, cracks, misaligned joints, collapsed drains, tree root ingress and pipe damage.

Based on the findings and any faults uncovered, your drain report may recommend repairs or maintenance work required, such as descaling. You can also use the report to plan future construction projects like a home extension.

Is it worth getting a drain survey?

Pre-purchase drain reports are highly beneficial for home buyers, giving a conclusive insight into the condition of the drainage and sewer system. Identifying issues early allows you to fix them before they escalate, avoiding costly emergencies and protecting the property value.

You can also use a drain survey as an opportunity to get a detailed map of the system. Drain mapping can save you money if urgent repairs are ever required or you need to plan future building work.

How much does a Home Buyers drain survey cost?

A Home Buyer drain report can vary in price, depending on the property size, number of drains present and system complexities. Investing in a pre-purchase drain survey may add to the upfront costs of buying a property, but it also provides invaluable peace of mind while potentially saving you the expense of future repairs. The best way to get more information about costs is to call a drain surveyor for a free quote.