CCTV surveys are a huge part of our work here at Metro Rod HLP and the demand for this type of work just keeps on growing. This explains why we have recently invested in FIVE new CCTV cameras, which our fully trained engineers are thrilled about – no more squabbling over cameras as everyone now has their own! Today we have gone on site with Geoff and Thinus to try out one of our new cameras and attempt to solve the problem for a customer who is suffering from repeat blockages at her business.
What is a CCTV survey?
A CCTV survey is essentially a video recording of the inside of your drainage system which allows our engineers to see any underlying issues that may be causing your problems with your drainage system. It allows us to see real time footage of the pipes and highlights issues such as cracks, displaced joints, root ingress and collapses. This footage is then sent to our CCTV specialists in our office for it to be analysed and solutions offered to get your drainage system back in full working order.
Today Geoff and Thinus have arrived on site to carry out a survey of an external drain outside of a bakery. The customer has been suffering with blockages on and off for a year, and every time they are cleared, within a few weeks the tend to come back. It is often the case in these types of situations that we would recommend a CCTV survey as there is undoubtedly something a-miss that need investigating.
After identifying the best location for the survey to be carried out, Geoff unloads our new dedicated CCTV van of equipment whilst Thinus sets up a secure area to highlight the fact they are working… we don’t want anyone falling down a manhole… they can be surprisingly deep and of course messy so health and safety is key!
Once the area has been made safe, it’s time to start the survey and get to the bottom of these repeat blockages…
After today’s survey has been completed, the footage is remotely uploaded to an online portal and sent back to Kelly in our office for her to analyse. Our CCTV experts are trained to pay close attention to even the tiniest details and at first the only issues seemed to be a build-up of scale in the pipe. Although this can reduce the diameter of the pipes which can affect its ability to carry waste away, in this instance, this wasn’t enough to explain all the blockages… and then the real issue reared its head! A displaced joint!
A displaced joint is a term which explains a situation where two pipes which have been joined together have slipped, and no longer align properly. This causes a ‘lip’ where waste and paper etc. can get snagged and build up, which can stop further matter being able to pass through. Now this explains all those blockages! From this data, Kelly can recommend the best way to fix the problem. All of this information without even having to pick up a shovel.
Once Kelly has processed the report and written about all of her findings, it is then sent to our customer for her to read. It categorises all the issues and makes recommendations so now she can make an educated decision about fixing the problem.
If you’re interested in finding out more about our CCTV services, please give us a call on 01472 859895 and one of our CCTV experts will be able to talk through your requirements and advise you on the degree of survey you may need.
We are always happy to arrange a free site assessment and no obligation quotations for any work you might need. Alternatively, you can call our emergency hotline number on 0800 66 88 00
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