If you have a CCTV drain inspection booked, you might be wondering if there is anything you need to do before the technician arrives. The short answer is yes, a bit of preparation helps a lot. You do not need to do anything major, but a few simple steps will make the inspection faster, clearer and more accurate.
At Grantham Hydro, we carry out CCTV drain inspections for homes and businesses across the Waikato. To help you get the best results, here are a few things we recommend doing before the visit.
Clear Access to Your Drainage Points
One of the easiest ways to speed up the inspection is to make sure access points are clear.
This includes:
- Removing outdoor items like bins, pot plants, garden tools or furniture around manholes and inspection covers
- Ensuring indoor areas such as bathrooms, kitchens or laundries are tidy and easy to move around in
- Unlocking gates or side access so the technician can get to the exterior of your property without delays
Clear access helps us set up quickly and focus on the inspection itself.
Avoid Using Water Before the Inspection
It is helpful if you avoid running water for a little while before we arrive. Try not to use the shower, washing machine, dishwasher or toilet right before the appointment.
Dry pipes allow the camera to capture clearer footage and help our team see what is really going on inside your drains.
Share Any Drain Issues You Already Know About
If you have noticed slow draining, gurgling sounds, recurring blockages or unpleasant smells, let us know at the start. Also, tell us if you have had any previous plumbing or drainage work done.
This gives our technician a good starting point and helps us target specific areas during the inspection.
Keep Pets and Children Safe
Drain inspections sometimes require opening access points around your property. For safety, it is a good idea to keep pets and children away from work areas while the inspection is happening.
Should You Clean the Drains First
In most cases, you do not need to clean your drains before the inspection. The goal of a CCTV inspection is often to find the cause of a blockage or poor flow, so leaving things as they are can actually help.
However, if your drains are heavily clogged with silt, debris or grease, a pre-clean might help the technician see the pipe walls more clearly. If you are not sure, our team at Grantham Hydro can advise before the appointment.
Why Preparing Helps
A little preparation means:
- Quicker and smoother inspections
- Better quality footage
- More accurate diagnoses
- Lower risk of delays or repeat visits
These benefits all help you avoid unnecessary repair costs and keep your drainage system running as it should.
You do not need to do anything complicated before a CCTV drain inspection. Simply clear access, avoid running water for a short while before the visit, share any known issues with the technician and make sure pets and children are kept safe.
If you need a professional drain inspection or want advice on an issue you are facing, Grantham Hydro is here to help.