CCTV inspection of downpipes

CCTV inspection of downpipes

CCTV inspection of downpipes is a specialised technical service used to assess the internal condition of vertical pipes responsible for the drainage of wastewater and/or rainwater within buildings. Through CCTV inspection and internal pipe filming, it is possible to identify structural and functional problems without the need to open walls or carry out invasive works.

Downpipes are critical elements of building drainage systems and, when defects occur, they often result in leaks, persistent odours, abnormal noise or recurring blockages affecting multiple floors.

How CCTV downpipe inspection works

The inspection is carried out using professional CCTV equipment, introduced into the downpipe to perform continuous internal filming along the accessible section. This method allows direct observation of the true internal condition of the pipe, including areas that are normally hidden from view.

During a CCTV inspection of downpipes, it is possible to identify:

• Cracks, fractures or breaks in the pipe

• Displaced or degraded joints

• Leaks and loss of watertightness

• Irregular branch connections

• Accumulation of debris or foreign objects

• Age-related deterioration of the pipework

Technical diagnosis and decision support

CCTV filming of downpipes provides a clear and objective technical diagnosis, supporting informed decisions regarding cleaning, local repairs or internal pipe rehabilitation. When required, the inspection can be supported by a technical report, including a detailed description of the defects identified and photographic and/or video records.

This diagnostic approach is particularly important in multi-storey residential buildings, where a defect in a single downpipe may affect several apartments.

When CCTV inspection of downpipes is recommended

CCTV inspection of downpipes is recommended in situations such as:

• Vertical leaks between floors

• Persistent odours in bathrooms or kitchens

• Recurrent blockages affecting multiple apartments

• Condition assessment of ageing downpipes

• Planning rehabilitation works without invasive demolition

Preventive inspection and service life extension

It is not necessary to wait for visible failures before carrying out a CCTV inspection of downpipes. In buildings with 30 years or more, downpipes are often approaching or exceeding their original design lifespan.

When assessed and rehabilitated at the right time, downpipes can remain in service for several additional decades. If deterioration is allowed to progress too far, internal rehabilitation may no longer be technically feasible, leaving full pipe replacement as the only option — a process that is more expensive, disruptive, time-consuming and intrusive.

CCTV inspection allows early assessment, timely planning and controlled intervention, helping to avoid these scenarios.

Professional CCTV inspection equipment

All inspections are carried out using Full HD CCTV cameras with rotating heads, allowing detailed observation of the internal condition of downpipes. The rotating camera head provides full circumferential visibility of the pipe, including joints, branch connections and critical areas, ensuring an accurate and reliable diagnosis.