Home Owners Guide to Pre-purchase Drainage Survey
Updated: Mar 14
If you're a homeowner in Ireland, it's important to understand the state of your property's drainage system. A drainage survey can help identify any issues with your pipes, preventing costly repairs and potential health hazards. In this guide, we'll go over what a drainage survey entails and how to prepare for one.
What is a Drainage Survey?
A drainage survey is a comprehensive inspection of your property's drainage system, including pipes and sewers. It involves the use of specialist equipment such as CCTV cameras to identify any damage or blockages in the system. The survey will also determine the condition of your pipes and whether any repairs or replacements are necessary.
Why Do You Need a Drainage Survey?
A drainage survey is essential for identifying any potential problems with your property's drainage system. Blocked or damaged pipes can cause water to back up and flood your property, leading to extensive damage and costly repairs. Additionally, sewage backups can pose a serious health hazard to you and your family.
Having a drainage survey conducted can also help you avoid potential legal issues. If your property's drainage system is found to be the source of flooding or damage to neighboring properties, you could be held liable for any resulting damages.

Preparing for a Drainage Survey
Before a drainage survey is conducted, there are a few steps you should take to prepare:
Check the location of your pipes: Make sure you know where your pipes are located before the survey takes place. This will help the surveyor access the system more easily and avoid any potential damage to your property.
Clear the area around your pipes: Ensure the area around your pipes is clear of any obstacles or debris that could hinder the surveyor's access. This includes removing any plants or trees that could block the view of the pipes.
Inform your neighbors: If your property is connected to a shared drainage system, inform your neighbors about the survey. This will help prevent any confusion or misunderstandings about the work being conducted.
Be prepared for disruptions: A drainage survey can be noisy and disruptive, so be prepared for potential disturbances to your daily routine.
What to Expect During a Drainage Survey?
During the survey, a CCTV camera will be inserted into your pipes to inspect their condition. The camera will send live footage to a monitor, allowing the surveyor to identify any issues such as blockages, cracks, or leaks.
The surveyor will also inspect manholes and other access points to your property's drainage system to ensure there are no issues with the sewers or pipes.
After the survey is complete, you will be provided with a report detailing any issues found during the inspection. The report will also include recommendations for repairs or replacements, as well as an estimate of the costs involved.
Conclusion
A drainage survey is a vital part of maintaining your property's drainage system. It can identify any issues with your pipes and prevent potential health hazards and costly repairs. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can prepare for a drainage survey and ensure a smooth and hassle-free inspection of your property's drainage system. Our team of professionals at Priority Drainage ensure your drainage systems are functioning well even before you purchase your new home.
Call us on 01 525 3150 to get a free quote on a pre-purchase drainage survey for additional peace of mind.