Your drainage system is one of the most important parts of your home, and while it may not be as glamorous as the interior design, it’s just as important as any undetected problems can lead to pretty serious issues down the line. For that reason, many people are choosing CCTV drain inspections as a non-invasive way of ensuring everything is in the best possible condition.
If you’ve been toying with the idea of CCTV drain pipeline inspections or simply want to know more about them, you’ll find everything you need to know in this complete guide.
Table of Contents
What Are CCTV Drain Pipeline Inspections?
You can think of a CCTV drain inspection like a health check for your drainage system. A professional will visually inspect your home’s pipes from the inside with a high-resolution camera, passing it through the entire drainage system and sending back live footage using closed circuit television (CCTV) that makes it possible to identify potential defects like cracks, blockages, and structural issues.
This inspection process is an incredibly effective way of checking your drainage system, and with advanced technologies like laser profiling and software tools like the WinCan Report (which creates a comprehensive report of the system), you’ll be getting a clearer view of the health of your sewer pipes, stormwater drainage, and everything else.
Why Are CCTV Inspections Important When Building a New Home?
So now you know what a CCTV inspection is, but why is it important to book one when you’re moving into a newly-built home? Well, there are a few very good reasons.
First of all, during the building process, heavy machinery and construction activities can cause accidental damage. This can include things like cracked pipes or construction materials clogging or blocking sections of the drainage system.
A CCTV survey will help spot these issues early on, making it possible to sort them out quickly before they cause any serious trouble, which may also cost less as the work might not be as extensive.
There are also very strict building codes and regulations in Australia, and drainage systems are part of this. But by getting a CCTV inspection, you can rest assured the build meets Australian industry standards, keeping you on the right side of compliance and avoiding any costly legal problems! This is especially important when you’re working with water authorities or other regulators who expect high standards of build quality.
The Benefits of CCTV Inspections
You might be wondering what makes a CCTV inspection a better option than other methods used for inspecting drainage systems. Well, to start with, it provides you with a no-mess, no-fuss way of seeing what’s going on with your system.
Gone are the days when inspecting pipes meant digging up your backyard! Modern CCTV cameras make it much easier to check your drainage system without any disruption, saving time and unnecessary mess. This also makes the whole process much more affordable, which is always a win. Likewise, a CCTV inspection can identify defects with pinpoint precision, so you’ll know exactly what needs fixing and where, saving you money on unnecessary work.
After a CCTV survey, you’ll also receive detailed reports that break down everything you need to know about your drainage system. This includes video footage and still issues, which, rather than just giving you a written summary of any issues, makes it much easier to visualise the problems and understand what needs to be done.
Types of CCTV Drain Inspection Services
A CCTV drain inspection isn’t a one-size-fits-all service, and there are many different things it can help identify and address. These include:
Pipeline Condition Assessments
A pipeline condition assessment focuses on the overall health of your pipelines and by using advanced CCTV cameras, operators can identify structural defects, cracks, and blockages. For new homes, this type of inspection makes it possible to check that all the components of your plumbing and drainage systems are in the best condition.
Sewer and Stormwater Inspections
These are specialised inspections that target sewer and stormwater systems to ensure they’re free from obstructions and comply with industry standards. This is a particularly important service for detecting tree root intrusions, debris build-up, or pipe misalignments that could cause flooding or backups.
Pre-Construction and Post-Construction Surveys
As you might have guessed, these inspections look at the impact of building activities on your drainage systems before or after construction. A pre-construction survey focuses on ensuring the area is suitable for development, while a post-construction inspection will check for any damage caused by heavy machinery or construction debris. These are incredibly important for newly-built homes as they’ll identify any hidden issues that could compromise the structural integrity of your drainage system and make it possible to fix issues before they become bigger problems.
Emergency Blockage Identification
If you’re dealing with recurring blockages or slow drains, emergency CCTV inspections can pinpoint the issue quickly. Experienced operators can quickly locate the exact cause of the problem, whether it’s grease build-up, foreign objects, or collapsed pipes, and reduce the risk of further complications.
How Does a CCTV Drain Inspection Work?
A CCTV inspection is one of the quickest and easiest ways of looking at drains and pipeline infrastructure, but how exactly does it work? Here’s a quick rundown of what you can typically expect when you book a CCTV inspection:
- Before the inspection starts, your pipes might need cleaning to clear out any debris and make it easier to spot issues. Once the prep work is done, operators will set up the necessary equipment, including high-resolution cameras and monitoring tools.
- The camera is then fed in the pipes and will capture a live feed as it travels through your drainage system. If needed, laser profiling can also be used at this stage to measure alignment or check for structural integrity problems.
- As the camera moves along, the operator will watch the footage in real-time, looking for cracks, blockages, and anything else that might need attention.
- Once the inspection is done, all the finding are compiled into a detailed report. This reporting will include visuals and recommendations for any repairs or maintenance required.
That’s all there is to it! If any problems are found, you’ll be recommended the best way to fix them (cost effectively), and you’ll have a clear plan of action moving forward.
When Should You Book a CCTV Drain Inspection?
The best time to organise a CCTV inspection of your drains is right after construction is finished but before you move into your new home. That way, any issues caused during the building process can be sorted out quickly, and you won’t have to suffer the disruption of any further building work once you’ve moved in.
If you have already moved in and you’ve started noticing slow drains, bad smells, or recurring blockages, these could be signs of a problem with your drainage system. In this case, book a CCTV inspection so you can identify the problem and get it fixed before it gets worse.
Also, even if everything seems fine, it’s a very good idea to schedule regular inspections. This is all part of your regular preventative maintenance, and it can save you a lot of money and hassle in the long run.
Get Free Advice From an Experienced Building Broker on Your New Build
Put simply, a CCTV inspection is a simple and affordable way to make sure your plumbing is built to high standards and free from any defects. But if you want to learn more or have any concerns, get in touch with Buildi and chat with our professional building brokers at 1300 947 132 or through our Contact Form today!
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