A CCTV drain inspection is one of the most effective ways to find out what's happening inside your underground pipes without any digging. A small waterproof camera is fed through your drains, sending live footage back to a monitor so the operator can pinpoint exactly what's going on. It's a non-invasive, accurate process that can save you a lot of time and money compared to guesswork.
Why You Might Need a CCTV Drain Inspection
Homeowners across New Zealand request CCTV inspections for a range of reasons:
- Recurring blockages that keep coming back despite clearing
- Slow-draining sinks, toilets or showers with no obvious cause
- Buying or selling a property — a drain inspection is a smart addition to a pre-purchase building report
- Tree root intrusion, which is very common in older NZ suburbs with mature gardens
- Subsidence or ground movement, particularly relevant in areas with expansive soils or after earthquakes
- Compliance checks required by your local council before or after drainage work
- Unpleasant smells coming from drains that suggest a crack or break in the pipe
What Happens on the Day
Before the Inspection
The drainlayer or drainage technician will arrive with a CCTV drain camera unit — typically a self-propelled crawler or a push-rod camera, depending on the pipe diameter and length. You don't usually need to do much preparation, though the operator may ask you to avoid running water or flushing toilets for a short period beforehand so the pipes are as clear as possible.
During the Inspection
The camera is inserted through an access point — usually a manhole, inspection chamber, or a cleanout point at ground level. If no easy access point exists, the operator may need to remove a toilet or create a temporary access point.
As the camera travels through the pipe, it transmits real-time footage to a screen. A good operator will talk you through what they're seeing as they go. The camera records the footage, and most companies will provide you with a copy — either a USB drive or a digital file — along with a written report.
The inspection typically covers:
- Pipe condition — cracks, fractures, corrosion, or collapsed sections
- Root intrusion — tree roots are a leading cause of drain problems in NZ
- Blockages or build-up — grease, scale, debris
- Joint displacement or misalignment — common in older clay or concrete pipes
- Pipe gradient issues — sections that are too flat or have back-fall, causing pooling
After the Inspection
Once the camera is retrieved, the operator will review the footage with you and explain their findings. You should receive a written report with timestamps or distance markers so any issues can be located precisely. This is important if excavation or repair work is needed later.
Depending on what's found, the drainlayer may recommend:
- High-pressure water jetting to clear blockages or roots
- Pipe relining — a trenchless repair method that inserts a new lining inside the existing pipe
- Spot excavation and repair for localised breaks
- Full drain replacement in severe cases
How Long Does It Take?
Most residential CCTV drain inspections take between 30 minutes and 2 hours, depending on the size of the property, the length of the drain runs, and how many access points are available. Larger or more complex properties may take longer.
What Does It Cost?
As a rough guide, a basic residential CCTV inspection typically starts from a few hundred dollars, though costs vary depending on your location, the complexity of the job, and whether jetting or a report is included. Always get a written quote upfront and check what's included.
NZ Regulations and Licensing
Drainage work in New Zealand is restricted work under the Plumbers, Gasfitters, and Drainlayers Act 2006. This means that any physical work on your drains — including repairs, connections, or new installations — must be carried out by a licensed drainlayer. You can verify a tradesperson's licence through the Plumbers Gasfitters & Drainlayers Board.
A CCTV inspection itself is an investigative service, but it's best carried out by — or in conjunction with — a licensed drainlayer who can properly interpret the results and carry out any follow-up work legally. Drainage work that requires a building consent must also comply with the NZ Building Code, particularly clauses E1 (surface water), E2 (external moisture), and G13 (foul water).
If you're a landlord, note that drainage maintenance can also be relevant to your obligations under the Healthy Homes Standards.
When to Call a Professional
You should call a licensed drainlayer if you notice any of the following:
- Sewage backing up into your home
- Wet patches or sinkholes appearing in your yard
- Multiple fixtures draining slowly at the same time
- A strong sewage smell inside or outside your home
- You're planning a renovation that involves drainage changes
Don't attempt to repair or modify drains yourself — this is restricted work and doing it unlicensed can result in fines, failed inspections, and costly remediation. You can find qualified, local drainlayers on tradedirectory.co.nz.
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