Drain surveys for rats: what to ask for

Rats can get into a property through more than one route. The British Pest Control Association describes cases where drainage is investigated after other entry points have been checked. It also warns that an ordinary camera inspection can miss a route relevant to rodents.

Ask the pest controller what they have found and why they suspect the drains. Share that explanation with the drainage specialist before booking. A smell or an isolated sighting does not establish which pipe, if any, is involved.

Sources: BPCA.

Explain where activity has been seen and whether the property has had drainage alterations or an extension. The BPCA identifies defective drainage and poorly capped disused connections as possible routes, rather than suggesting every infestation has the same cause.

Ask whether the contractor has experience investigating rodent entry and how they will work with your pest controller. Do not book on the promise that a camera will always find the answer.

• Which accessible pipes and chambers will be examined?
• Will old or disused connections be considered where they can be identified?
• How will possible entry points be recorded and located?
• What will happen if the camera cannot reach the relevant section?

Sources: BPCA.

Ask for written findings, labelled photographs or video and a clear account of the areas not inspected. For example, Countrywide describes supplying a report, video files and drawings with its rat survey. Confirm what your own contractor includes.

A useful report should distinguish what was seen from what remains uncertain. If work is proposed, ask the contractor to explain which recorded finding supports it and to price the work separately from the investigation.

Sources: Countrywide Pest Control; NADC.

Ask the contractor to explain what 'clear' means in the report: no blockage, no visible pipe defect, or no suspected entry route? Request a list of sections not reached.

Send the findings to the pest controller and ask whether they answer the original question. Agree the reason and price for any further investigation before booking another visit.

Sources: NADC; Countrywide Pest Control.

Request an all-in quote for this investigation, not just a general survey's starting price. Ask whether written findings, footage, tracing, clearance and a return visit are included or charged separately.

If the suspected issue involves shared drains or a public sewer, check with the sewerage company before commissioning private repairs. CCW explains the responsibilities in England and Wales; other UK jurisdictions have their own rules. A drain plan or an infestation alone does not settle liability.

Sources: CCW.

Do not enter a manhole or sewer. Leave inspection covers and drainage work to the appropriate professional.

If sewage is backing up, deal with that immediate problem through the sewerage company or an emergency drainage service rather than waiting for an online guide. This site cannot arrange an emergency visit.

Sources: BPCA.

• Share the pest controller's findings and any known building or drainage alterations.
• Confirm that the inspection is for possible rodent entry, not only for blockages.
• Ask for the pipes covered and the limitations in writing.
• Request labelled footage or photographs and a written conclusion.
• Agree the charge for an incomplete survey and any further visit.
• Keep any repair quote separate and ask what evidence supports it.

Find and check a drainage contractor when you are ready to ask for quotes.