A recent CCTV drain survey at a property in Swindon revealed tree roots growing inside the drainage pipework. The roots needed removing to allow water to flow freely again.
Our drainage team used a specialist root cutting machine to clear the problem roots. We then used high pressure drain jetting to flush away the remaining debris, leaving the drains flowing freely.
Finding the cause with a CCTV drain survey
When a drain is slow or keeps blocking, the cause is not always obvious from the surface. The problem could be further along the pipe, out of sight beneath a garden, driveway or building.
A CCTV drain survey allows us to inspect the inside of the pipework using a camera. In this case, the survey identified roots within the drain and showed where clearing work was needed. That meant the team could choose the right equipment for the job.
Tree roots can enter drainage pipes through small gaps or joints. Once inside, they may continue to grow and catch waste passing through the drain. Removing the roots and clearing the loose material helps restore the flow, although any underlying damage to the pipework may need separate attention.
Cutting away the roots and clearing the debris
With the obstruction identified, we used our root cutting machine to remove the roots from inside the drain. Root cutting breaks up growth that ordinary drain cleaning may struggle to shift.
We followed this with high pressure drain jetting. The jetter flushed the cut roots and remaining debris through the pipework, clearing the obstruction and allowing water to move freely again.
Have you got a slow or blocked drain? Find out more about Centra’s drainage services in Swindon and Wiltshire.
Why might you need a CCTV drain survey?
A CCTV survey helps reveal what is happening inside a drain without immediately digging up the ground. It can be particularly useful when:
- A blockage keeps returning after the drain has been cleared.
- Water drains slowly and the cause is unclear.
- You suspect tree roots or damage to underground pipework.
- You are buying a property and want to check the condition of its drains.
- You need to understand the extent of a drainage problem before deciding on repairs.
The camera footage helps identify the location and likely cause of the issue. Depending on what it shows, the next step might be drain jetting, root cutting or an assessment of whether the pipe needs repairing.
Drainage help from Centra
For this Swindon job, identifying the roots first allowed us to tackle the obstruction with the right equipment. After root cutting and high pressure jetting, the drains were flowing freely again.
If your drains are slow, blocked or repeatedly causing problems, contact Centra to discuss the symptoms. You can also explore our drainage services to see how we can help across Swindon and Wiltshire.
