Compare prices and what’s included

Check the firm serves your area and ask for a current written quote. A “from” price can rise with the size of the job.

Advertised prices from individual firms, not a UK average.
Firm and servicePriceWhat’s included and what to check
Drain365CCTV drain surveyLondonChecked From £139 + VAT (£166.80 including 20% VAT)

Inspection and written report. Ask whether your price includes a copy of the footage.

Starting price. Confirm the pipes covered, access, travel and any mapping charges.

AspectInspectionGreater London and South East EnglandChecked From £225 + VAT (£270.00 including 20% VAT)

Up to four inspection covers. A report, video and photographs are available on request at no extra cost.

Extra inspection covers cost from £67.50 + VAT (£81.00 including 20% VAT) each. Drain mapping is a separate option.

AspectMapping / homebuyer workGreater London and South East EnglandChecked From £315 + VAT (£378.00 including 20% VAT)

Up to four inspection covers, a report and a map showing how the drains connect.

Extra access points cost from £67.50 + VAT (£81.00 including 20% VAT) each. Confirm any cleaning or clearance charges.

Clearflow SurveysHomebuyer surveyCheshire, Staffordshire and Greater ManchesterChecked From £249 + VAT (£298.80 including 20% VAT)

Starting price for a two-bedroom home. Includes a report, video, photographs and an annotated drain map.

Larger or more complex properties cost more. Clearance, jetting and repairs are extra unless agreed.

EcoJetFull CCTV surveyLondonChecked £140 + VAT (£168.00 including 20% VAT)

Weekdays, 8am to 6pm. Price covers the first hour on site.

Extra hours are charged at half the initial rate. Evening and weekend prices differ. Confirm what report and files you receive.

DrainsmartHomebuyer packageLondonChecked £280 + VAT (£336.00 including 20% VAT)

Up to three inspection covers, a drain-layout drawing and photographs or video on request.

Extra covers and other additions cost more. Confirm the report delivery date when booking.

DrainLocal LondonHomebuyer packageLondonChecked £180VAT not stated: ask for the total.

Up to five pipe runs and a detailed PDF report.

Additional runs are separately priced; individual recordings are shown as a separate higher-priced option; VAT basis was not explicit in the reviewed evidence.

CCTV Drain SurveysHomebuyer surveyKent, Sussex, Surrey and South LondonChecked £295VAT not stated: ask for the total.

Written condition report. HD video is listed as optional.

Confirm VAT, the number of pipes covered and whether video costs extra.

Hydro ScotFull CCTV surveyCentral ScotlandChecked Typically £150–£400VAT not stated: ask for the total.

Written report, video and diagrams.

The firm’s typical range, not a fixed quote. Complexity and camera reach affect the price. Confirm VAT.

Older price-guide estimate

Checkatrade also lists an estimate. Its cost table is dated May 2024, so it is shown separately from the firms’ prices.

A price-guide estimate, not a contractor’s offer.
Firm and servicePriceWhat’s included and what to check
CheckatradeFull-report market estimateUK guide; not a contractor quoteChecked Approximately £200–£350VAT not stated: ask for the total.

An estimate for a survey with a written report.

Older guide estimate, not a firm’s offer. The cost table is dated May 2024. VAT is not stated.

See where these prices come from for source checks and the limits of this comparison.

Camera inspection or a full report?

Camera inspection

The contractor looks inside the accessible pipes. Ask whether you receive just an explanation on the day or also a copy of the video and written findings.

Written report

Ask for the findings, the pipes inspected and any areas the camera could not reach. Check whether photographs and video are included or cost extra.

Homebuyer survey or drain mapping

This may include a plan showing the drain layout. If a surveyor, solicitor or other professional needs the report, confirm their requirements first.

What could cost extra?

  • More pipes or inspection covers. Some prices cover a set number; additional ones cost extra.
  • Clearing a blockage. Ask whether cleaning or clearance is included and what happens if the camera cannot get through.
  • Finding or opening access points. Tell the contractor about stuck, covered or inaccessible inspection covers before booking.
  • The report and drain plan. Video files, detailed mapping and specialist reporting may be priced separately.
  • Travel and timing. Check call-out, parking and out-of-hours charges.
  • VAT. Ask for the total you will pay, including VAT where it applies.

Ask these questions before you book

  1. Which pipes and inspection covers are included?
  2. Will I receive a written report, video, photographs and a drain plan?
  3. What happens, and what do I pay, if you cannot complete the inspection?
  4. Will you ask me before doing any extra work?
  5. When will I receive the report?
  6. What is the total including VAT and any travel charges?

Get the printable checklist

Common cost questions

Is a CCTV drain survey included in a house survey?

Do not assume it is. Check your surveyor’s terms before paying for a separate inspection. The homebuyer guide explains the difference.

Will buildings insurance pay for the survey?

Check your policy and contact your insurer before commissioning work you hope to claim for. Ask separately about the investigation, emergency clearance and any repair; approval for one does not confirm the others. Aviva’s home-emergency guide, for example, distinguishes emergency assistance from cover for resulting damage. Your own terms, exclusions and excess decide what is covered.

Does the survey price include repairs?

Ask for repairs and any clearance to be priced separately. An inspection price should not be treated as permission to carry out extra work.

What if the camera cannot inspect all the drains?

Agree the charge for an incomplete survey before booking. Ask what the report will record and whether another visit, clearance or different equipment would cost extra.