Why Repeated Drain Blockages Mean Your System Needs a Full Diagnostic Survey

If your drains keep blocking, slowing down, or producing bad smells, you may have already tried quick fixes. Many homeowners in Derby and Derbyshire start with simple treatments such as plunging, unblocking chemicals, or hiring a drainage company for a basic camera inspection. These quick inspections are known as Look and Learn surveys, and they are useful for minor issues.

However, if the problems keep coming back, a Look and Learn survey is often not enough. At Derby Drain Surveys, we regularly assist homeowners who have had multiple unblocking visits or simple camera checks, only to discover that the real issue was hidden deeper within the system.

A Full Diagnostic CCTV Drain Survey provides the detailed investigation required to solve persistent problems once and for all.

What Is a Look and Learn Survey and Why Does It Fall Short?

A Look and Learn survey is a quick visual inspection of the drain using a basic camera. It shows surface level information but does not include:

• Full pipe condition grading

• Detailed mapping of the drainage network

• Measurement of defects

• HD footage suitable for repairs

• A written report for insurance or planning

• Evidence for structural or long term issues
  
  

These surveys are useful for simple one off blockages, but they do not diagnose the cause of repeated or complex problems.

Why Ongoing Blockages Need a Full Diagnostic Survey

If your drains repeatedly block or smell, there is usually a deeper issue. Common hidden causes found in Derbyshire include:

• Cracked or fractured pipes

• Collapsed drains beneath driveways or patios

• Tree root intrusion

• Misaligned joints causing flow disruption

• Grease, scale, or debris buildup in older pipework

• Rodent activity causing structural damage

• Poor drain design or incorrect gradients

• Old clay or pitch fibre pipes starting to deform
  
  

These defects are not easily visible in a Look and Learn inspection. A Full Diagnostic Survey provides the clarity required to identify and repair the root cause.

What a Full Diagnostic Drain Survey Includes

Our Full Diagnostic Survey is the most thorough investigation available. Using HD cameras, tracking equipment, and advanced reporting technology, we assess every part of your drainage system.

Your survey includes:

• High definition CCTV footage

• Colour coded defect grading

• Drain mapping for the entire property

• Depth measurements for each pipe run

• Full written report suitable for builders and insurers

• Recommendations for repair or maintenance

• Evidence for warranty claims or legal situations
  
  

This level of detail is essential when dealing with persistent issues or older drainage systems.

Signs You Need More Than a Basic Survey

If you recognise any of the following, a Full Diagnostic Survey is essential:

• You have had more than two blockages in the last year

• Water takes longer than normal to drain

• There are recurring smells from sinks or outdoor drains

• There are gurgling sounds inside the pipework

• Drains overflow during rainfall

• You have an older property with clay or pitch fibre pipes

• You suspect tree root intrusion

• You notice damp patches around external walls
  

Ignoring these signs allows small problems to develop into costly repair work.

Professional Treatments Recommended After a Full Diagnostic Survey

Once the inspection identifies the true cause, our team provides expert solutions such as:

• High pressure water jetting to remove stubborn blockages

• Pipe relining to restore structure without excavation

• Root cutting and clearance for tree root problems

• Patch repairs for small fractured sections

• Descaling to improve flow in old pipework

• Drain replacement for severely damaged or collapsed systems
  
  

These treatments eliminate the problem at its source and prevent further blockages.

Why Persistent Problems Are Common in Derbyshire Homes

Many properties in Derby, Hilton, Mickleover, Burton, and surrounding towns have older drainage systems that are vulnerable to movement, cracking, or root intrusion. Properties built during the 1930s to 1980s often have materials that deteriorate over time, and many newer developments have drainage installed quickly with limited inspection.

Without a Full Diagnostic Survey, these underlying structural issues go unnoticed and continue causing recurring blockages.

Why Choose Derby Drain Surveys

We are one of Derbyshire’s leading CCTV drain specialists, with more than 20 years of construction and drainage experience. Homeowners choose us because we provide:

• HD diagnostic inspections

• Detailed written reports

• Honest and practical recommendations

• Fast response and competitive pricing

• Local knowledge and reliable service
  
  

If your drains keep blocking, we identify the true cause and provide the right treatment to fix it once and for all.

Stop the Cycle of Blockages

Do not waste money on repeated callouts or temporary fixes. A Full Diagnostic Survey gives you the knowledge and solutions you need to protect your property.

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, Hilton, Burton, Mickleover, and surrounding Midlands areas.