Why You Need a Party Wall Drain Survey Before Starting Any Building Work
If you are planning a home extension, loft conversion, or any building work near a shared boundary in Derby or Derbyshire, you may already know you need a Party Wall Agreement. What many homeowners do not realise is that shared or adjacent drains running beneath that wall also need attention. Ignoring them can lead to structural damage, flooding, or even disputes with your neighbours that could stop your project in its tracks.
A Party Wall Drain Survey provides clarity, protection, and peace of mind before any work begins. It ensures all drainage systems near the boundary are documented, inspected, and safe to build over or near.
What Is a Party Wall Drain Survey?
A Party Wall Drain Survey is a specialist CCTV inspection carried out before construction starts on or near a boundary wall shared between properties. It is designed to assess the layout and condition of all drainage pipes that may run beneath or alongside that wall.
Our surveys use advanced camera technology to inspect underground drains without excavation. This process identifies any defects, cracks, or connections that could be affected during the building works. You then receive HD footage and a written report to support your Party Wall Agreement or planning application.
Why It Matters for Homeowners and Builders
If your neighbour’s or your own drainage system becomes damaged during building works, it can lead to:
Costly repair disputes between both parties
Legal complications if pre-existing damage cannot be proven
Structural issues from collapsed or leaking drains
Delays to your project while repairs or investigations are carried out
A Party Wall Drain Survey provides clear, dated evidence of the drain’s condition before work starts. This protects both you and your neighbour from future disagreements and gives surveyors accurate information to include in the Party Wall documentation.
Common Problems Found During Party Wall Drain Surveys
Our drainage engineers regularly uncover hidden issues that could have caused problems later, including:
Cracked or displaced joints under boundary lines
Tree root intrusion between adjoining gardens
Shared drains not clearly identified on property plans
Misconnected pipework between properties
Rodent activity in shared sections
Finding these problems early allows for quick solutions before they become major construction delays.
The Benefits of a Party Wall Drain Survey in Derby
A Party Wall Drain Survey offers several key benefits for property owners, surveyors, and builders:
Proof of pre-existing issues before any work starts
Clear drain mapping to avoid damage during excavation
Support for planning and legal compliance under the Party Wall Act 1996
Reduced risk of project delays from drainage complications
Peace of mind knowing your build will not affect shared services
Our professional surveys meet the requirements for local authorities and building control departments throughout Derbyshire and the Midlands.
Who Should Get a Party Wall Drain Survey?
You should consider a Party Wall Drain Survey if you are:
Planning an extension, loft conversion, or garage build near a boundary
A builder or contractor preparing for excavation or foundation work
A Party Wall surveyor needing clear drain documentation
A homeowner concerned about shared drains or potential disputes
The survey is quick, affordable, and essential for avoiding future problems between neighbours or project partners.
Why Choose Our Derby Drain Survey Specialists
At Derby Drain Surveys, we combine 20 years of drainage and construction experience to deliver accurate, professional CCTV drain inspections for domestic and small commercial properties. We work closely with Party Wall surveyors, architects, and homeowners across Derbyshire, Burton, Hilton, and nearby towns to provide compliant, high-quality reports.
Our service includes:
HD video inspection and digital mapping of drains
Jargon-free written reports for documentation and planning
Fast turnaround with same-day availability where required
Honest advice and practical repair recommendations if issues are found
We pride ourselves on being thorough, professional, and friendly — helping you complete your build with full confidence.
Protect Your Build Before It Starts
Before you break ground or start any work near a shared boundary, ensure your drains are properly checked and documented. A Party Wall Drain Survey gives you legal protection, technical insight, and peace of mind.
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.
