Site Surveys
Drainage network surveys, condition assessments, CAD drawings, and pre-adoption services for construction companies across the UK
Professional CCTV Drain Surveys for Commercial and Industrial Sites
A CCTV drain survey is the most reliable and cost-effective method of diagnosing and locating drainage problems without the need for disruptive excavation. By deploying specialist camera equipment directly into the drainage system, our engineers can identify the precise nature, location, and severity of any defect — providing you with the clear, accurate information needed to plan the most appropriate and cost-effective course of action.
Drain Alert carries out CCTV drain inspection surveys for commercial and industrial clients across the UK. Our surveys cover a wide range of drainage assets, from standard commercial pipework through to large-diameter sewers, culverts, and industrial drainage infrastructure. All findings are delivered in a detailed digital report, together with high-quality video footage, giving you a permanent, auditable record of your drainage system’s condition.
What Our Site Survey Service Covers
Our site survey service is tailored to the specific requirements of each project. We provide:
- Existing drainage network layouts: Using CCTV survey equipment and ground investigation techniques, we locate, trace, and map the existing drainage network across your site — establishing pipe routes, depths, diameters, materials, and connection points. Ideal for brownfield sites, redevelopment projects, and any site where drainage records are incomplete, inaccurate, or unavailable
- Foul and surface water condition surveys: We assess the structural condition and hydraulic performance of existing foul water and surface water drainage systems, identifying defects, capacity constraints, and compliance issues before they become problems during or after construction. Our surveys confirm whether existing assets are suitable for adoption, reuse, or replacement
- Outfall surveys and condition assessments: We locate and survey foul and surface water outfalls — confirming their condition, capacity, and connectivity, and providing the documented evidence needed for planning submissions and drainage design
- Site plans and CAD drawings: We produce accurate, professionally drawn drainage site plans in CAD format, incorporating survey findings into clear, usable drawings that your design team can work with directly. Plans can be produced to your required scale and format, and updated as the project progresses
- Pre-adoption cleaning and CCTV surveys: For new build handovers, we carry out the pre-adoption drain cleaning and CCTV survey work required before a drainage system can be adopted by the water company or local authority. Our surveys are conducted in accordance with the relevant adoption standards and water company requirements, and our reports are produced in the format required to support a successful adoption application
Pre-Adoption Surveys for New Build Handovers
One of the most important stages in the handover of a new development is demonstrating to the adopting authority — typically the water company under a Section 104 or Section 102 Agreement — that all drainage has been installed correctly, is free from defects, and is in a suitable condition for adoption into the public network.
Drain Alert’s pre-adoption survey service provides everything a construction company needs to reach a successful handover:
- Pre-adoption drain cleaning: Our jetting tankers thoroughly clean all sewers on the development prior to inspection — removing any construction debris, silt, or blockages that would result in a failed adoption survey
- CCTV adoption survey: Following cleaning, our CCTV survey team carries out a full pipe-by-pipe inspection of the drainage network, producing a structured survey report that documents the condition of every pipe, joint, and connection point
- Survey report in required format: Adoption survey reports are produced in the format required by the relevant water company — including manhole record cards, pipe condition gradings, invert level data, and all supporting evidence required to progress the adoption application
- Remedial works coordination: Where defects are identified during the adoption survey, we can carry out the necessary remedial works — including CIPP relining, patch repairs, or joint resealing — before re-surveying to confirm the network meets adoption standard
We have extensive experience of working to the requirements of United Utilities, Severn Trent, Yorkshire Water, and other major water companies — and can advise on the specific standards and documentation required for your project.
Who We Work With
Our site survey service is used by a wide range of clients across the construction and development sector, including:
- Principal contractors and main contractors: Pre-construction drainage surveys, existing network mapping, and pre-adoption surveys for residential, commercial, and mixed-use developments
- Civil and drainage engineers: Survey data and CAD drawings to support drainage design, planning submissions, and construction documentation
- House builders and residential developers: Pre-adoption cleaning and CCTV surveys for new housing developments across the UK
- Commercial and industrial developers: Drainage network surveys and condition assessments for commercial, retail, industrial, and logistics developments
- Project managers and quantity surveyors: Survey reports and documentation to support programme management, cost planning, and handover processes
Why Choose Drain Alert for Site Surveys?
Discuss Your Site Survey Requirements
Whether you are at the start of a new project and need to establish what drainage is already on site, or approaching handover and need pre-adoption survey work, get in touch with the Drain Alert team today. We will listen to your requirements and advise on the most efficient and cost-effective approach for your project.