Are Drainage Problems Holding Up Your House Sale?
Selling a property can be stressful enough without unexpected delays. Yet one of the most common reasons for property sale hold-ups in Derby and Derbyshire is drainage uncertainty. Buyers, surveyors, and solicitors frequently flag potential issues such as blockages, damp, or historic flooding.
At Derby Drain Surveys, we work with homeowners, estate agents, and conveyancers to identify and resolve drainage concerns quickly. Our CCTV drain surveys provide the clear evidence needed to reassure buyers, speed up the legal process, and prevent costly price reductions.
Why Drainage Problems Affect Property Sales
When selling a property, every detail matters. If the buyer’s surveyor identifies drainage issues, this can raise questions about potential repair costs, property integrity, and insurance eligibility. Common problems include:
Collapsed or cracked drain pipes
Long-standing blockages or poor water flow
Signs of past flooding or damp
Tree root damage beneath driveways or gardens
Shared or unclear drain connections
These findings can cause buyers to delay, renegotiate, or even withdraw from the sale entirely. A CCTV drain survey eliminates uncertainty by providing transparent evidence of your drainage system’s condition.
What Is a Pre-Sale Drain Survey?
A Pre-Sale Drain Survey is a professional inspection designed specifically for property sellers. Using high-definition cameras, our engineers at Derby Drain Surveys inspect all accessible underground drains to check their condition, layout, and performance.
You receive:
HD video footage showing the inside of your drains
A clear written report suitable for solicitors and buyers
Maps of the drain layout beneath your property
Recommendations for maintenance or repair if needed
This report provides full transparency, giving buyers confidence that there are no hidden problems.
How a Drain Survey Speeds Up Your Sale
If your home sale is already in progress, waiting for drainage queries can cause long delays. Buyers’ solicitors often request verification of drain condition before contracts are exchanged. Having a report ready in advance helps to:
Prevent last-minute issues that slow the process
Reassure buyers and their surveyors about property integrity
Avoid price negotiations over unknown problems
Prove good maintenance history
Keep the sale chain moving smoothly
In short, it shows you are a proactive and trustworthy seller.
Common Problems Found in Pre-Sale Drain Surveys
During pre-sale inspections in Derby, Burton, and Hilton, our team frequently discovers:
Tree root ingress in older clay drains
Cracked or deformed pipes under driveways
Blockages caused by years of grease build-up
Collapsed drains near extensions or patios
Misconnected pipework between properties
Many of these issues can be resolved quickly through cleaning, relining, or targeted repair. By addressing them before listing your property, you increase buyer confidence and reduce risk of delay.
How Our Drain Survey Process Works
Survey Booking: We schedule your survey at a convenient time with minimal disruption.
CCTV Inspection: Our engineers use high-definition cameras to inspect the full drain network.
Reporting: We compile video footage and a written summary suitable for solicitor use.
Recommendations: If we find damage, we advise on affordable repairs or proofing solutions.
The entire process is typically completed within one to two hours, depending on the property’s size.
The Cost of Ignoring Drain Problems Before a Sale
Failing to investigate drainage issues early can have serious financial consequences. Buyers may use uncertain findings as leverage to demand significant price reductions or request additional surveys at your expense.
A small investment in a CCTV drain survey (typically between £250 and £350) can prevent thousands of pounds in negotiation losses or repair costs later. It also helps protect your reputation and maintain trust with potential buyers.
Why Choose Derby Drain Surveys
With more than 20 years of experience in drainage and construction, we are Derbyshire’s trusted provider for pre-sale drain surveys. We work closely with estate agents, surveyors, and solicitors to provide accurate and reliable documentation that keeps property transactions on track.
Our clients choose us because we provide:
HD CCTV inspections and detailed written reports
Fast turnaround times for urgent property sales
Clear, honest communication with all parties
Affordable prices and professional local service
We are committed to helping homeowners achieve smooth, stress-free property sales.
Protect Your Sale and Your Profit
Drainage uncertainty should never derail a house sale. Whether your property is in Derby, Burton, Hilton, or anywhere in Derbyshire, our professional drain surveys give you the clarity and confidence needed to move forward quickly.
Click here to book your Build Over Drain Survey or learn more about our professional CCTV drain inspections for home extensions in Derbyshire.
📍 Based in Derby. Serving Derbyshire, Burton, Hilton, and surrounding Midlands towns.
