Why Buying a Home in Derby Without a Drain Survey Can Cost You Thousands
When buying a home in Derby, Mickleover, Hilton, or Burton, drainage is often overlooked because it sits underground. Unfortunately, it is one of the most common sources of unexpected repair costs after completion.
Common reasons drainage problems go unnoticed include:
Ageing clay or pitch fibre pipework
Historic ground movement causing cracks or misalignment
Tree root intrusion
Shared drainage systems not disclosed during the sale
A Homebuyer Drain Survey identifies these risks before you become financially responsible.
Why Standard Surveys Do Not Identify Drain Defects
Most homebuyer surveys are visual only and do not include internal drain inspection. As a result:
Cracked pipes remain hidden
Shared drainage responsibilities are unclear
Historic repairs are not assessed
Partial collapses go undetected
A CCTV drain survey provides factual evidence rather than assumptions.
Common Drain Issues Found During Homebuyer Surveys
Across Derbyshire, we frequently identify:
Cracked clay pipes beneath properties
Misaligned joints caused by soil movement
Tree root intrusion restricting flow
Old repairs that have failed
Shared drains not declared in property details
Debris build up causing partial blockages
These defects can cost thousands to repair after completion.
What a Homebuyer Drain Survey Includes
A Homebuyer Drain Survey is a detailed CCTV inspection that includes:
High definition CCTV footage
A clear written report
Drain layout and mapping
Identification of defects or blockages
Condition grading of pipework
Professional repair recommendations
This allows buyers to make informed decisions.
How Drain Surveys Protect Buyers Financially
A professional drain survey allows buyers to:
Renegotiate the purchase price
Request repairs before exchange
Budget accurately for future works
Avoid emergency repair costs
Withdraw from high risk purchases
Repair Solutions Identified Through Surveys
Depending on findings, solutions may include:
Pipe relining to repair cracked sections
Patch repairs for localised defects
Root cutting to remove intrusive growth
Jet washing to clear debris
Drain replacement where collapse is present
Why Choose Derby Drain Surveys
With over 20 years of experience, we provide:
HD CCTV inspections
Fast turnaround times
Clear written reporting
Honest, practical advice
Local drainage expertise
Buy With Confidence
Protect your investment by inspecting the drains before you buy.
👉 Click here to book your Build Over Drain Survey or Learn more about our professional CCTV drain inspections for home extensions in Derbyshire
📍 Serving Derby, Mickleover, Hilton, Burton, and surrounding areas.

