Drain Problems Delaying Your House Sale in Derby What Sellers Need to Know
When selling a property in Derby, Derbyshire, or surrounding Midlands towns, most homeowners expect delays to come from mortgage approvals, surveys, or chain issues. However, drainage problems are one of the most common hidden issues that slow or completely derail property sales.
Buyers, solicitors, and surveyors are increasingly cautious about drainage. Any history of blockages, smells, flooding, or damp can raise concerns and trigger requests for further investigation. Without clear evidence, sales can stall while buyers seek reassurance.
A professional CCTV Drain Survey provides the clarity needed to keep transactions moving.
Why Drainage Concerns Raise Red Flags for Buyers
Drainage problems can be expensive, disruptive, and difficult to assess without specialist inspection. Buyers are aware that hidden defects may not appear until after completion.
Common concerns raised during sales include:
Historic drain blockages
Bad smells reported during viewings
Damp patches near external walls
Slow drainage from sinks or toilets
Flooding in gardens or driveways
Evidence of past repairs without documentation
Without a drain survey, buyers may fear inheriting costly repairs.
How Drain Problems Delay the Conveyancing Process
Once drainage concerns are raised, solicitors often request further information before proceeding. This can include:
Confirmation of drain condition
Evidence of previous repairs
Proof of compliance for any building work
Identification of shared drainage responsibilities
Without a CCTV Drain Survey, these questions are difficult to answer. As a result, sales may be delayed for weeks or fall through entirely.
What a Seller Drain Survey Includes
A Seller CCTV Drain Survey is a proactive inspection carried out before or during the sales process. It provides clear evidence of the drainage system’s condition.
Our surveys include:
High definition CCTV footage
A clear written report
Drain layout and mapping
Identification of defects or blockages
Condition grading of pipework
Professional recommendations
This documentation can be shared with buyers, solicitors, and surveyors.
How Drain Surveys Help Protect Your Sale Price
Without evidence, buyers may:
Request a price reduction
Demand repairs before exchange
Walk away from the purchase
A drain survey removes uncertainty. If the system is in good condition, buyers gain confidence. If issues are found, sellers can address them or price accordingly before negotiations escalate.
Common Drain Issues Found During Property Sales
Across Derbyshire, we frequently identify:
Cracked clay pipework
Root intrusion from mature trees
Collapsed sections beneath gardens
Misaligned joints caused by ground movement
Shared drains not disclosed in property details
Redundant connections from past alterations
Identifying these issues early avoids last minute surprises.
Treatment Options That Keep Sales on Track
If defects are identified, professional treatment options may include:
High pressure jet washing to clear blockages
Root cutting to remove intrusive growth
Pipe relining to repair damaged sections
Patch repairs for localised defects
Drain replacement where collapse has occurred
Addressing issues early prevents delays during negotiations.
Why Derbyshire Properties Are Prone to Drain Issues
Many properties across Derbyshire have older drainage systems installed decades ago. Clay and pitch fibre pipes deteriorate over time and are vulnerable to ground movement and root intrusion.
Even newer properties can suffer from poor installation or debris left behind during construction.
Why Choose Derby Drain Surveys
With over 20 years of experience in drainage and construction, we support homeowners across Derby and the Midlands through the sales process.
Clients choose us because we offer:
High definition CCTV inspections
Fast turnaround times
Clear, jargon free reports
Honest and practical advice
Local knowledge of drainage systems
Sell With Confidence
If you are selling a property, do not let hidden drainage issues delay or derail your sale. A professional drain survey provides confidence for all parties.
👉 Click here to book your Build Over Drain Survey
👉 Learn more about our professional CCTV drain inspections for home extensions in Derbyshire
📍 Serving Derby, Derbyshire, and surrounding Midlands towns.
