What to Expect from a Professional CCTV Drainage Survey Report

When it comes to drainage, what you can’t see can definitely hurt you. Blocked, cracked, or collapsing pipes can cause everything from water damage to costly repairs – and often, the only way to know what’s really happening underground is with a CCTV drainage survey.

At Orsco, we use advanced camera technology and industry-approved reporting methods to give you clear, actionable insight into the condition of your drainage system. But what exactly should you expect from a CCTV drainage survey report – and why does the quality of that report matter so much?

Let’s take a closer look.

What Is a CCTV Drainage Survey Report?

A CCTV drainage survey report is a detailed document that summarises everything identified during a camera inspection of your underground drainage or sewer network.

Think of it as a health check for your pipeline system – it shows where defects exist, what condition the pipes are in, and what needs to be done to fix or maintain them.

CCTV drainage reports are essential for:

Homebuyers and homeowners – to identify hidden defects before purchase or locate blockages.
Developers and contractors – for pre- and post-construction inspections and build-over approvals.
Property managers and municipalities – to plan preventative maintenance and avoid costly failures.
Insurers – as evidence for damage claims or to verify asset condition.

Even if it’s not required, having your drainage system inspected and properly documented can save thousands by preventing future failures or water damage.

What Should a CCTV Report Include?

A professional CCTV drainage survey report from Orsco includes a combination of data, visuals, and expert interpretation – not just raw footage. Here’s what you should expect:

Executive Summary – A plain-language overview of the survey findings and key recommendations.
Drainage Layout Map – A CAD or schematic drawing showing pipe routes, manholes, flow direction, and diameters.
Pipe-by-Pipe Condition Report – Each section coded according to the WRC MSCC5 standard, the international benchmark for sewer condition classification.
Defect Grading – Each defect is given a grade (1–5) indicating severity and urgency.
High-Resolution Imagery & Video – Still photos and HD footage with time stamps and chainage references for precise location tracking.
Recommendations – Detailed repair or maintenance advice, prioritised by urgency.
Supporting Documentation – Manhole data, pipe materials, and flow direction information.

Our reports are designed to be clear, coded, and comprehensive, so they can be used immediately by engineers, contractors, and insurers.

Understanding Defect Grading

Not all defects are equally serious – and understanding their classification is crucial to prioritising repairs.

At Orsco, we use the WRC MSCC5 coding system, which grades pipe condition as follows:

Grade 1 – Minor wear, no immediate action required.
Grade 2 – Slight deterioration, monitor over time.
Grade 3 – Moderate defect, schedule maintenance or minor repair soon.
Grade 4 – Serious defect requiring prompt repair.
Grade 5 – Severe damage or structural failure needing urgent attention.

Common defects include:

Fractures or cracks in the pipe wall
Displaced joints
Root ingress
Obstructions and silt build-up
Collapsed sections or deformation

Each defect is logged with its exact location, allowing for targeted, cost-effective repairs instead of unnecessary excavation.

Deliverables: What You’ll Receive

After your CCTV survey, you’ll receive a full suite of deliverables designed to help you take immediate, informed action.

Your report package includes:

A digital PDF report with hyperlinks between summary tables, photos, and footage.
HD video files supplied via secure link or USB.
CAD mapping of the drainage layout for integration with design or asset management systems.
Annotated photo packs highlighting each defect.

We can also provide a walkthrough session to explain the findings in plain language – ensuring you understand what’s happening underground and what needs to be done next.

Why Report Quality Matters

Here’s a truth the industry doesn’t always talk about:
Not all CCTV drainage reports are created equal.

A poor-quality report can leave you with vague notes, low-resolution footage, and no clear direction for repairs – making it nearly impossible for engineers or insurers to use.

A professional report from Orsco, on the other hand, gives you:
✅ Clear, WRC-compliant defect coding
✅ High-resolution, time-stamped footage
✅ Accurate mapping for easy location of issues
✅ Actionable repair recommendations

Because when you’re dealing with buried infrastructure, clarity and accuracy aren’t optional – they’re everything.

Why Choose Orsco for Your CCTV Drainage Survey

With years of experience across municipal, commercial, and industrial sites throughout South Africa, Orsco is a trusted leader in pipeline inspection and rehabilitation.

Here’s what sets us apart:

Certified surveyors trained in WRC MSCC5 coding and pipe condition classification.
State-of-the-art camera systems for both small-diameter and large-bore pipelines.
Integration-ready deliverables – from CAD mapping to GIS-compatible data.
Specialised expertise in trenchless rehabilitation, leak detection, and pipeline relining.

Whether it’s a small domestic drainage issue or a complex municipal network, Orsco delivers reliable results you can build your decisions on.

Final Thoughts

A CCTV drainage survey isn’t just a formality – it’s a critical diagnostic tool for protecting your assets, reducing costs, and ensuring long-term performance.

When done professionally, it helps you locate problems precisely, plan effective repairs, and avoid unnecessary disruption.

At Orsco, we believe in doing it right – clear data, precise mapping, and professional insight you can trust.

If you’d like to schedule a CCTV drainage survey or request a sample report, contact the Orsco team today.

Let’s help you see what’s happening below the surface – before it becomes a bigger problem.