Our drainage team arrive on time and take care of your property. Our focus is to leave everything as we found it and clean up after ourselves.
CCTV Drain Inspection
CCTV Drain Inspection Christchurch: See Exactly What's Going On Underground
When something’s not right with your drains, guesswork is expensive. A CCTV drain inspection lets our team see exactly what’s happening inside your pipes without digging up your yard, lifting your driveway, or pulling apart your landscaping unnecessarily.
Whitehead Plumbing & Gas has been serving Canterbury for over 50 years. Our drain inspection team uses modern camera technology to diagnose blocked drains, cracked pipes, tree root intrusion, and earthquake damage accurately.
What Is a CCTV Drain Inspection?
CCTV stands for Closed Circuit Television. In drainage, it means we insert a specially designed waterproof camera into your sewer, stormwater, or drainage pipes and watch, in real time, exactly what’s going on inside.
The camera travels the full length of your pipes, navigating around bends and junctions, and sends back high-definition footage to our operator above ground. We can pinpoint the exact location of any problem, take photos, and provide you with a written report.
When Do You Need a Drain Camera Inspection?
There are lots of reasons to book a CCTV drain inspection. Here are the most common:
Blocked or slow-draining drains
When a plunger isn’t fixing the problem, you could be pushing it further down the line. A camera tells us exactly where the blockage is and what’s causing it.
EQC earthquake damage assessment
Earthquake damage to drains can take years to show up. Our team can carry out a CCTV inspection and provide reports to support Natural Hazards Commission (EQC) claims.
Pre-purchase property inspection
Buying a home in Christchurch? A drain camera inspection before you sign could save you thousands. Damaged drains, especially older earthenware pipes, are common in Canterbury.
Tree Root Intrusion
Tree roots are one of the leading causes of drain damage in Canterbury. A camera inspection locates exactly where they’ve entered so we can fix the right section, not tear up the whole yard.
Recurring blockages
If your drains keep blocking up despite jetting or clearing, there’s usually a structural cause, a cracked pipe, a sagging section, or a displaced joint. Camera inspection finds it.
Unpleasant smells from drains
Persistent drain odours inside or outside your home can indicate a cracked sewer pipe, root damage, or a blocked vent. We’ll find the source quickly.
How Our CCTV Drain Inspection Works
Our process is straightforward. Here’s what to expect when you book with us:
Step 1 — Book Your Inspection
Call us on (03) 379 0711 or scan our QR code to book online at a time that suits you. Monday to Friday, 8am–5pm. If you can’t be home, that’s no problem — we can arrange a key collection or pickup from your workplace.
Step 2 — We Come to You
Step 3 — Camera Goes In
Our camera is fed into your drain access point and travels through your pipes. Our operator watches the live feed, identifying any blockages, cracks, root intrusion, collapsed sections, or displaced joints. We mark the exact location of any issues above ground.
Step 4 — You Get the Findings
We show you what we found and explain what it means in plain language — no jargon. You’ll receive photos and, where requested, video footage. For EQC claims or building consents, we provide a full written report to the required standard.
Step 5 — We Fix It (or Quote You First)
Because Whitehead Plumbing and Gas is a full plumbing and drain firm — not just a drainage-only contractor — we can fix the problem on the same visit or give you a clear, upfront quote. No need to manage two different companies.
EQC & Natural Hazards Commission Drain Inspections
Did you know there is no cut-off date for lodging an EQC drainage claim for Canterbury earthquake damage? Earthquake damage to drainage systems can take years to appear. Many Canterbury homeowners are still discovering damaged sewer and stormwater lines and in many cases, repair costs can be covered by the Natural Hazards Commission (formerly EQC).
Our team carries out CCTV drain inspections specifically to assess earthquake damage, and we provide full written reports to council standard to support your claim. We handle EQC alterations as part of our regular drain work.
Pre-Purchase Drain Inspections for Christchurch Property Buyers
Buying a home is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make. A pre-purchase drain inspection is a small investment that could save you a very large bill.
In Canterbury especially, older earthenware pipes are common — and these are far more susceptible to earthquake damage, root intrusion, and age-related cracking than modern PVC pipes. If a property has damaged drains, it could cost tens of thousands of dollars to repair.
Our pre-purchase inspections include a camera inspection of the main sewer and stormwater lines, a written condition report, and honest advice on what any problems mean for your purchase. We can usually complete the inspection quickly to meet property settlement timelines.
If you’re buying in Christchurch, Banks Peninsula, or wider Canterbury, talk to us before you sign.
CCTV Inspections Across Christchurch and Greater Canterbury
We provide professional drain cleaning and drainage services across Christchurch and wider Canterbury, including: Christchurch Central, Addington, Riccarton, Fendalton, Merivale, St Albans, Papanui, Bishopdale, Casebrook, Redwood, Shirley, Mairehau, Edgeware, Linwood, Woolston, Opawa, St Martins, Cashmere, Spreydon, Sydenham, Somerfield, Beckenham, Ilam, Burnside, Avonhead, Hornby, Halswell, Wigram, New Brighton, Parklands and Burwood, as well as Rolleston, Lincoln, Prebbleton and West Melton in Selwyn, Rangiora, Kaiapoi, Woodend, Pegasus, Amberley, Oxford, Hanmer Springs and Kaikōura in North Canterbury, and Akaroa, Lyttelton, Diamond Harbour, Governors Bay and Little River across Banks Peninsula.
Common Questions About Drain Inspections in Christchurch
How much does a CCTV drain inspection cost in Christchurch?
Pricing depends on the size of the job, access, and how many drain lines need inspecting. Give us a call on (03) 379 0711 and we’ll give you a clear, honest quote upfront — no hidden costs.
How long does a drain camera inspection take?
A standard residential inspection typically takes 1–2 hours. Larger properties or more complex systems may take longer. We’ll give you a realistic timeframe when you book.
Do I need to be home for the inspection?
Not necessarily. If you can’t be home, you can leave a key out or drop it to our workshop. We can also collect it from your workplace. We’ll let you know what we’ve found and send through photos and a report — so you get a full picture even if you weren’t there.
Will you need to dig up my property?
The whole point of a CCTV inspection is that we don’t need to dig — until we know exactly where the problem is. If excavation is needed after the inspection, we only dig where it’s necessary. Our drain team takes care to protect your lawn, plants, and paving, and puts things back the way we found them.
Do you provide a written report?
Yes. For EQC claims, building consent applications, pre-purchase reports, or any situation where documentation is needed, we provide a written report to the required standard. Just let us know at the time of booking what you need the report for.
Can you fix the problem at the same time?
In many cases, yes. Plumbing and Gas is a full plumbing and drainlaying firm, we come prepared with the tools and materials to fix common problems on the spot. If the job is more involved, we’ll give you a clear quote before any work begins.
Book Your Drain Camera Inspection Today
Book Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm. Our team arrives prepared, fixes the problem properly, and leaves your property clean and tidy. Call us on 03 379 0711 or get send an enquiry through our website now.