Drain mapping is an essential element in the planning of any new building or extension. It shows architects what’s below the surface so that they can plan designs accordingly.

Drains can turn up in the most unexpected places, particularly in the UK’s older towns and cities. Sewers just feet beneath the ground can have a pivotal impact on the design and structure of buildings nearby or built on top of them.

Architects don’t usually have any direct means of surveying drains around a potential build site so they rely on their clients to do it for them. Drain mapping shows them where all the drains are so they can make sensible design decisions.

Benefits Of CCTV Drain Surveys

Historically, architects and developers consulted building plans to determine drains’ subterranean locations. However, this method was unreliable. Plans were often incorrect or difficult to source. Original copies were often destroyed or never written down in the first place.

In other cases, developers had to dig down into the ground to see the layout of the drains. Manual inspection necessitated mass excavation of material at significant expense.

Fortunately, things are changing. The modern approach is to perform CCTV drain surveys. Here, crews pass CCTV cameras attached to rods through drains from convenient entry points to see what’s inside. Rods twist through the drain, mapping out their shape and limits.

This method eliminates the need to dig up the ground. Crews can map underground pipework without disturbing the landscaping or concreted areas and report back to architects. They can then use this information to create drainage reports. These detail the location, position, size and depth of all the pipes in the vicinity.

Crews may use CCTV drain footage as part of a toilet unblocking service. Surveys help them identify blockages and eliminate them quickly. However, most clogged drains don’t require a survey.

Here’s a list of benefits that come with getting a CCTV drain survey:

• Operatives do not have to enter confined spaces. CCTV drain surveys done remotely are safer than manual excavations or entering the drains directly.
• CCTV drain surveys are highly accurate. Cameras placed in sewers can quickly map out the drain in three dimensions, allowing crews to construct detailed reports for architects.
• Crews can diagnose problems with the drains quickly. They can then choose the most appropriate solution for the circumstances and provide advice to clients immediately for a quick remedy.
• Generate less disruption. CCTV drain surveys don’t require the digging up of any land or costly excavations. Landscaping remains untouched, benefiting clients, residents and businesses.

Wrapping Up

CCTV drain mapping is essential for architects and designers on construction projects because it helps them create viable plans. Drain survey reports are a critical supporting element in the planned works and can assist with pipe repair before the groundwork begins.