Not every blocked drain in Salisbury needs a camera — but when issues persist or spread, a quick jetting job may only mask the real problem.
At Salisbury Drains24, we’re often called by customers who’ve had a blockage cleared, only for it to return weeks later. The truth is: without understanding the root cause, you risk spending more in the long run — on repeat call-outs, water damage, and even collapsed pipe repairs.
This guide will help you understand when simple drain cleaning in Salisbury is enough, and when a CCTV drain survey is essential to protect your property and your wallet.
🚿 When You Only Need a Standard Drain Unblocking
A blocked sink, overflowing gully, or slow-draining shower doesn’t always mean disaster. For many straightforward issues, a quick visit from our team with rodding or high-pressure jetting tools will fix the problem fast.
You likely only need standard drain services in Salisbury if:
- The issue is isolated to one fixture (e.g. a kitchen sink)
- There’s no visible backup in outside drains or toilets
- You’ve recently been cooking with fatty or greasy foods
- No foul odour is present from multiple drain points
- You’ve never had trouble with drainage at the property before
Our vans carry the latest jetting equipment to break down fat, grease, hair, soap, and silt. In many cases, that’s all you need.
🕵️♂️ When You Absolutely Need a CCTV Drain Survey in Salisbury
However, there are situations where a simple unblock is like slapping a plaster on a broken bone.
You need a CCTV drain survey if:
- The same blockage returns within weeks or months
- You hear gurgling sounds in multiple locations
- There’s water backing up from lower-level toilets or drains
- Your home is older and may have pitch fibre or clay pipes
- You’re buying, selling, or extending your property
- Your neighbours have had recent drainage work
These signs point to deeper issues such as:
- Structural damage or collapsed sections
- Misaligned joints or backfalls
- Long-term grease or scale buildup
- Root intrusion from nearby trees
- Foreign objects causing recurring partial blockages
- Poor historic installation or modified pipework
💡 CCTV surveys offer a crystal-clear internal view of your drains — recorded in full, timestamped, and backed by a professional report and repair recommendations.
🎥 What You Get With a CCTV Drain Survey from Salisbury Drains24
We don’t just stick a camera down and hope for the best. Our CCTV drain survey service in Salisbury includes:
- ✅ HD camera footage from inside the pipe
- ✅ Full recording for your reference
- ✅ A written report with observations and defects
- ✅ CAD-style layout diagrams if required
- ✅ Location tracking to pinpoint faults under your property
- ✅ Honest recommendations with no upselling
You’ll know exactly what’s wrong, where it’s located, and what your options are. No guesswork. No surprises.
🏘️ Why Surveys Matter in Older Properties
Many homes in Salisbury — particularly in Wilton, Harnham, Laverstock and the city centre — still rely on pitch fibre or vitrified clay pipes, often laid 50–100 years ago.
These materials are prone to:
- Cracking under pressure
- Deformation and collapse
- Root ingress due to aging joints
- Misalignments from ground movement
If your property is older or has undergone multiple renovations, a camera survey can be your best defence against unexpected drainage disasters.
🧰 Survey vs Jetting: Pros & Cons Comparison
| Option | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| High-Pressure Jetting | Fast, cost-effective, great for soft blockages | Doesn’t identify long-term structural issues |
| Drain Rodding | Useful for small internal clogs | Limited reach, not ideal for external pipe systems |
| CCTV Drain Survey | Visual proof, ideal for recurring or unclear issues | Slightly higher cost upfront |
| Combo (Jet + CCTV) | Clears blockage and checks for deeper faults | Recommended for repeat problems or unknown causes |
🧪 Real Case Study: Repeat Blockages Solved with Survey
We recently attended a semi-detached property in Laverstock where the customer had called out multiple unblocking services in the past year.
Each time, the blockage returned — costing them £100+ each visit.
We carried out a CCTV drain survey in Salisbury, which revealed a collapsed section of clay pipe under the conservatory. One no-dig CIPP liner later, the issue was resolved permanently.
📍 Domestic & Commercial Drain Diagnostics
We carry out drain surveys for:
- Homeowners in Salisbury, Amesbury & Wilton
- Restaurants and pubs with grease trap overflow
- Landlords managing student lets and shared properties
- Property developers needing pre-purchase inspections
- Housing associations requiring documented repair needs
💬 Our Honest Advice
At Salisbury Drains24, we always assess first. We won’t suggest a camera survey if a simple jetting will solve the problem. But if we suspect deeper issues, we’ll walk you through the benefits of getting diagnostics before the problem escalates.
📞 Book a CCTV Drain Survey or Unblocking Today
Whether you’re facing a stubborn blocked drain in Salisbury, need expert drain cleaning, or want a survey for peace of mind — we’re ready to help.