Although CCTV drain surveys provide precise inspection services for blocked or damaged drains, they are not a perfect method. Let’s break down what CCTV drain surveys do and the strengths and limitations they can have.
What are CCTV drain surveys?
You can probably guess what it is from the name, but CCTV drain surveys are controllable cameras that are inserted into pipes to find blockages and assess any damage to the drain.
They provide a live camera feed that allows the operator to navigate the pipe system and record and photograph important details. The service has grown rapidly in recent years, with plenty of options for a CCTV drain survey Coventry available from companies such as https://www.wilkinson-env.co.uk/drainage-services-cctv-surveys-midlands/cctv-drain-surveys/cctv-drain-surveys-coventry/.
Strengths
CCTV drain surveys are great for avoiding the hassle of other options. When it is not clear where the damage or blockage is located, large-scale digging must be done, causing disruption, costing valuable time and money, and even polluting and damaging the environment.
By sending a camera down to inspect, it is easy to locate problems and carry out a precise procedure to address them. A plan can be formulated in advance, mitigating the time, money, and disruption you would otherwise have to go through.
Limitations
One of the major limitations, somewhat ironically, is the visibility provided. Although you can see inside the pipes without intrusive excavation, the camera doesn’t provide the precision of a trained eye when looking at the condition of the pipes.
Only by digging away the surroundings can you properly inspect the quality and composition of a pipe, meaning the more obscure minutiae may be missed and potential problems overlooked. Considering the reduced camera quality, glaring lighting, and limited field of view, it is easy to realise that tiny cracks in the pipe can go unnoticed and small leaks may blend into the environment.
Despite these problems, this utility is indisputable and remains far more efficient and precise than its alternatives. Nothing is perfect, and technology is always improving, so these drawbacks may not be relevant for long.