CCTV Drain Surveys
Leeds & Yorkshire
Accurate, non-invasive drain inspection using the iTouch 7 push-rod camera and Vivax 6 reel — the best combination on the market. We identify blockages, cracks, root ingress, and collapsed pipes without a single spade in the ground.
What Is a CCTV Drain Survey?
A CCTV drain survey is the most accurate, cost-effective, and non-invasive way to diagnose problems inside your drainage system. A high-definition camera is fed through your pipes, transmitting live footage to our engineer above ground — giving a complete picture of your drainage condition without any excavation.
Whether you are investigating a recurring blockage, buying a property, making an insurance claim, or planning drainage repairs, our surveys give you the evidence you need to make the right decision.
We cover all residential, commercial, and industrial drainage across Leeds and the whole of West Yorkshire. Our reports are accepted by insurers, solicitors, and local authorities.
Our Camera Equipment
iTouch 7 + Vivax 6 Reel
The iTouch 7 push-rod camera paired with the Vivax 6 reel is widely regarded as the best combination on the market for residential and commercial drain inspection. The iTouch 7 delivers outstanding high-definition image quality with a self-levelling camera head, giving our engineers a clear, accurate view of the pipe interior at every angle.
The Vivax 6 reel provides smooth, controlled cable management and reliable depth tracking, so we always know exactly where in the drainage system we are. Together, this combination gives us the precision to locate defects to within centimetres — critical for accurate, targeted repairs.
Suitable for
Pipes from 3 inch (75mm) to 9 inch (225mm) — covering the vast majority of residential and commercial drainage including soil pipes, lateral drains, and surface water systems.
Crawler Camera Systems
For larger diameter pipes — main sewers, industrial drainage, and infrastructure-scale systems — we deploy crawler camera systems. Unlike push-rod cameras, crawlers are self-propelled vehicles that travel independently through the pipe, providing an even clearer and more detailed view of the pipe walls, joints, and any defects present.
Crawler systems are essential for thorough inspection of larger pipes where a push-rod camera cannot maintain the image quality or reach needed for a reliable survey. They are commonly used for commercial sites, local authority drainage, and pre-construction drainage assessments.
Suitable for
Pipes over 9 inch (225mm) diameter including main sewers, large commercial drainage, and industrial pipework where maximum image clarity is required.
How It Works
Book Your Survey
Contact us by phone, WhatsApp, or our online form. We confirm access requirements and arrange a convenient time.
Camera Inspection
Our engineer inserts the iTouch 7 push-rod camera — or a crawler system for larger pipes — and records the full length of your drainage.
Analysis & Report
We analyse the footage and produce a detailed written report identifying defects, their exact location, severity, and recommended action.
Remedial Works
If issues are found, we can carry out repairs — from patch lining to full excavation — often on the same visit.
Case Study
Recurring Blockage Traced to Root Ingress — Repaired Without Excavation
The Problem
A homeowner in Leeds LS6 had experienced three separate drain blockages over 18 months. Each time, the drain had been cleared by a local plumber using rods, but the blockage kept returning within a few months. The customer contacted Drains First Limited after the third recurrence, suspecting there was an underlying structural issue.
The Survey
Our engineer attended the same day and carried out a full CCTV survey using the iTouch 7 push-rod camera and Vivax 6 reel. The footage revealed significant root ingress through a cracked joint approximately 8 metres into the lateral drain — a defect that rodding alone could never resolve, as it was clearing the roots temporarily without addressing the crack that allowed them to re-enter.
The Solution
We carried out a patch lining repair on the cracked joint the same day — a no-dig fix that sealed the defect from the inside without any excavation. The customer received a full written report and footage confirming the repair. No further blockages have been reported.
The Result
Problem permanently resolved in a single visit. Total cost was significantly less than the repeated call-out fees the customer had paid over 18 months — and far less than the cost of excavation would have been had the crack been left to worsen.
When Do You Need a CCTV Survey?
Recurring Blockages
If your drain keeps blocking despite being cleared, a CCTV survey will find the root cause — whether that is root ingress, a cracked pipe, or a structural defect.
Buying a Property
A pre-purchase drain survey protects you from inheriting expensive drainage problems. Our reports are accepted for conveyancing and can be arranged at short notice.
Insurance Claims
Our detailed reports and footage are accepted by insurers and solicitors as evidence of drainage condition and the cause of any damage.
Rat Infestations
Rats most commonly enter properties through cracked or broken drain pipes. A CCTV survey identifies the exact entry point so we can seal it permanently.
Subsidence or Wet Patches
Unexplained sinkholes, subsidence, or persistently wet areas in your garden can indicate a collapsed or leaking drain underground.
Planning Drainage Works
Before any excavation or drainage repair, a CCTV survey confirms the exact location and extent of the problem — saving time and money on unnecessary digging.
Related Services
A CCTV survey is often the first step. Once we know what we are dealing with, we can carry out the right repair — often on the same visit.
Drain Unblocking
High-pressure jetting to clear blockages identified by survey.
Patch Lining & Relining
No-dig repair for cracked joints and root ingress found on survey.
Drain Excavations & Repairs
Full excavation and replacement for collapsed or severely damaged pipes.
Pest Control
Seal rat entry points identified through CCTV inspection.
Domestic Drainage
Full drainage services for homeowners and landlords across Yorkshire.
Commercial Drainage
Heavy-duty tanker and survey services for commercial and industrial sites.
Accreditations & Industry Recognition
Drains First Limited is independently verified and listed across the leading drainage and trade directories. When you book with us, you are booking with a company that has been checked and approved.
CHAS Elite
We hold CHAS Elite accreditation — the highest level of CHAS certification — demonstrating full compliance with health, safety, and environmental standards. Required for local authority and large commercial contracts.
Checkatrade
Listed and independently reviewed on Checkatrade. Our profile shows verified customer reviews and our trading history, giving homeowners confidence before they book.
Rated People
Verified on Rated People with genuine customer ratings. A trusted directory used by homeowners across Yorkshire to find reliable local tradespeople.
TrustATrader
Listed on TrustATrader — a vetted directory where all traders are background-checked and customer reviews are independently verified.
Google Business Profile
Verified on Google with a 4.9-star rating from over 200 genuine customer reviews. Search "Drains First Limited" to see our full review history.
Yell.com
Listed on Yell.com — one of the UK's largest business directories — making it easy for customers across Leeds and Yorkshire to find and contact us.
Frequently Asked Questions
Book Your CCTV Drain Survey Today
No call out fee. Same-day attendance available. Detailed report included. Covering Leeds and the whole of West Yorkshire.