Pro Drainage Group is the UK’s leading drainage company with over 20 years of experience, installing and emptying thousands of septic tanks every year.
Owning a property with a septic tank brings certain responsibilities. Unlike homes connected to the main sewer system, septic tanks require regular maintenance and inspections to prevent unpleasant and costly problems. Without care, you could face issues such as sewage backups, foul odours, environmental pollution, or even fines for non-compliance.
Routine septic tank inspections help to catch problems early, ensuring your system is operating correctly. Alongside regular septic tank emptying and cleaning, inspections are the foundation of a healthy, long-lasting wastewater system.
But many homeowners and businesses ask a common question: do standard septic tank inspections automatically include CCTV surveys? The short answer is no – but that doesn’t mean CCTV inspections aren’t extremely valuable in certain situations.
This blog will explain what’s included in a typical inspection, when CCTV is necessary, and why choosing a provider like Pro Septic Tanks ensures your system receives the right level of care.
Learn MoreA standard inspection is like a “health check” for your septic tank system. It ensures everything is working as it should and helps identify whether maintenance tasks – such as septic tank pumping – are due.
Here’s what a typical inspection covers:
Visual checks of the tank structure – The engineer examines the tank lid, covers, and access points for signs of wear, cracks, or leaks. Any weakness in the structure can allow wastewater to leak into the ground or surface water, which is a serious environmental concern.
Sludge and scum measurement – Over time, waste builds up inside the tank. The inspector checks the levels of sludge and scum to determine if septic tank emptying in Wimborne, Romsey, or other local areas is needed.
Flow tests – Water flow into and out of the tank is checked. This ensures waste is entering properly and that treated wastewater is being discharged effectively into the drainage field.
Signs of failure – Issues like standing water above the drainage field, foul odours, or backflow are all red flags that indicate potential blockages or leaks.
Drain field checks – The condition of the soakaway or drainage field is assessed, since this plays a crucial role in filtering wastewater safely into the ground.
These inspections are thorough, but they have limits. They can’t see inside pipes and drains, meaning hidden blockages or damage may go unnoticed.
Contact us TodayMost septic tank inspections do not automatically include CCTV surveys. Instead, they are offered as an additional service when deeper investigation is needed.
A CCTV septic tank survey involves using a high-definition camera system that is fed directly into the pipes and drains. This allows engineers to view the internal condition of the system in real time. Problems such as tree root intrusions, collapsed sections of pipework, or stubborn blockages can be identified with precision.
At Pro Septic Tanks, we offer both standard inspections and optional CCTV surveys. This ensures customers get a full picture of their system’s condition and aren’t left with guesswork.
Book in TodayCCTV surveys aren’t always necessary, but they can be vital in certain situations. Here are the most common scenarios where they’re recommended:
Recurring blockages – If your drains or toilets keep backing up even after septic tank cleaning, a CCTV inspection can reveal the root cause of the problem.
Suspected damage – Heavy vehicles, shifting soil, or tree roots can cause cracks or collapses in underground pipework. CCTV shows exactly what has happened without the need for digging.
Buying or selling property – A CCTV survey provides reassurance to buyers that the septic system is in good condition. It also protects sellers from unexpected disputes later.
System upgrades or replacements – Before starting a septic tank installation in Dorset or Hampshire, CCTV surveys help map existing drainage routes to plan new connections.
Unexplained odours or slow drainage – These are often signs of hidden problems deep within the tank or drainage field. CCTV offers clear answers.
By identifying issues before they escalate, CCTV surveys help homeowners avoid expensive repair bills and environmental hazards.
Invest in Septic Tanks TodayOpting for a CCTV survey provides significant advantages over relying solely on standard inspections:
Pinpoint accuracy – Engineers can see exactly what’s wrong, whether it’s a collapsed pipe, build-up of debris, or tree root intrusion.
Cost-effective repairs – By knowing the precise location of the problem, unnecessary excavation and trial-and-error work is avoided.
Preventative action – CCTV surveys highlight small cracks or weaknesses before they turn into bigger failures.
Peace of mind – Whether you’re a homeowner arranging routine maintenance or a buyer assessing a property, CCTV results give you confidence in the system’s condition.
It’s not always necessary for every inspection, but when problems are suspected, CCTV is a valuable tool.
Contact our TeamWhile a standard inspection is usually sufficient for routine checks, CCTV surveys are an invaluable tool when deeper issues are suspected. They provide a level of clarity and accuracy that manual inspections simply cannot match.
For homeowners across Dorset and Hampshire, Pro Septic Tanks offers a complete service – from septic tank emptying in Wimborne and Romsey to septic tank installation, cleaning, pumping, and repairs near you.
Contact Pro Septic Tanks today to book your septic tank inspection or CCTV survey and ensure your system is in safe hands.
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