Tier 1 — Diagnosis
See what's actually wrong before paying to fix it
A camera survey of the line — the step most generalist plumbers skip, and the one that turns a guess into a plan. Used before jetting, before a repair decision, or simply to have a documented record of condition.
Three reasons to run a camera before anything else
Stops guess-and-check repairs
Without a camera, "clear it and see" can mean paying for two or three visits before the real cause — a cracked joint, a root, a sagging section — gets found.
Sizes the jetting job correctly
Pipe diameter, material and condition determine pressure and nozzle choice — a camera pass first means the jetting specialist arrives already knowing what they're dealing with.
Gives you a record, not just a memory
Useful before a lease renewal or fit-out, and as evidence of condition if a dispute over an old building's drainage ever comes up with a landlord or MCST.
| What the report shows | What it's used for |
|---|---|
| Grease/scale build-up along the pipe wall | Confirms jetting is the right next step, and roughly how aggressive it needs to be |
| Cracked, offset or collapsed sections | Routes to trenchless pipe repair instead of repeat jetting |
| Root intrusion | Root-cutting jetting attachment, or repair if intrusion has damaged the pipe |
| General condition, no active problem | Filed as a baseline record — useful for older buildings and MCSTs planning ahead |
Common questions
What does a CCTV drain inspection actually show?
A crawler or push-camera records the full interior of the line, revealing cracks, offset joints, root intrusion, grease build-up and collapsed sections that can't be seen or reliably guessed at from the surface.
Do I need an inspection if the drain is already flowing fine?
It's most valuable before a lease renewal, fit-out, or purchase of a commercial unit, or once a building is old enough that its original drainage age becomes a real question — a clean inspection report is also useful evidence of condition if a dispute ever comes up with a landlord or MCST.
Can an inspection be used as a compliance record?
A dated CCTV report with footage is a reasonable piece of documentation to keep alongside your other maintenance records, though it doesn't by itself replace whatever specific record-keeping your licence or the relevant regulator requires — check that separately.