A commercial CCTV drain survey may be necessary for countless properties. Usually, your drainage system exists underground and goes largely unseen. You’ve no idea what could be happening below or what problems may exist. Thanks to impressive technological advancements, it’s now possible to conduct full-scale surveys using HD cameras to give the most accurate visuals of what’s happening inside a commercial drainage system.
If you have questions about commercial CCTV drain inspections and how they work, this guide will answer them all. We’ve collected some common queries about this service and provided all the crucial information. Starting with an obvious one:
What is a Commercial CCTV Drain Survey?
Simply put, a commercial CCTV drain survey is a video inspection method used for commercial drainage systems. Unique camera equipment is used to go through the drains and pipes, providing a full view of everything. This equipment streams everything it sees back to monitors or tablets operated by a professional CCTV drain survey expert so they have a live feed of the drainage system.
Why are CCTV Drain Surveys Important for Commercial Properties?
CCTV drain surveys are important for all properties – but they’re even more important for commercial ones. Consider this; a commercial building will have more people inside every day. They will also have multiple bathrooms throughout the premises, meaning an increased demand on the drainage systems. This paves the way for blockages to occur or for the extra use to wear down pipes and cause significant problems.
That’s why they’re especially important for commercial properties, though CCTV drain surveys also carry the following benefits:
- Maintain drainage systems & reduce repair costs – Commercial CCTV drain inspections ensure the drainage systems are in good shape at all times. This prevents costly problems while also detecting issues early on. Minor repairs can be done rather than extensive ones costing a business thousands of dollars.
- Remain compliant – Businesses must abide by OSHA regulations relating to sanitation. This includes having proper waste management systems and maintaining drainage throughout commercial premises. CCTV surveys keep everything in check to be sure your drains are compliant with all regulations.
How is a CCTV Drain Survey Conducted?
The process involved in CCTV drain inspections begins with pre-survey preparation. This is where plans of the drainage system are obtained to identify all the access points – the plans also serve as a guide of sorts during the inspection itself.
When the property is ready for the survey, specialist equipment is used to provide clear images of the full drainage system. HD waterproof cameras are attached to cable reels that are fed through the pipes. These cables are controlled by a drain survey operator who sees what’s happening from a viewing platform. The operator can use the visuals and the drainage system plans to figure out where to maneuver the cameras so the whole system is checked and analyzed.
All of the CCTV footage is checked and reviewed to see if any problems are noted. They are then complied in a CCTV survey report which is handed to you with full details of the findings. This will include any issues or potential problems that either require instant repairs or maintenance. At Muller Inc., we are more than happy to go through the full report with you to ensure everything is as clear as possible.
What Problems Can a CCTV Drain Survey Detect?
Drain surveys or inspections are used to detect a series of common problems, such as:
- Blockages – Cameras can spot any blockages in the drainage system that may be causing various issues like leaky pipes, backed-up drains, etc.
- Damage/Erosion – Pipes can become damaged over time and may suffer erosion. CCTV surveys indicate where damage has occurred, how serious it is, and how further damage can be prevented.
- Sewer Collapses – Collapsed sewers are significantly problematic and will lead to long-term, costly, repairs. Drain surveys spot these and allow them to be addressed before more of the sewer collapses.
- Many Other Issues – Commercial CCTV drain surveys show any other issues that could manifest in a drainage system. Some include poor pipe connections or problems caused by the outside world. For instance, it’s highly common to see tree root growth impact drains and create serious problems.
How Often Should Commercial Properties Conduct CCTV Drain Surveys?
We recommend annual inspections for the majority of commercial properties, especially if the property uses a lot of water, handles hazardous waste that gets flushed through the pipes, and so on.
New commercial properties can get away with one inspection every two years, but we generally believe an annual inspection is the best way to stay on top of commercial drainage maintenance. If you wish to book a full commercial CCTV drain survey, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today.