Do you get the footage from a CCTV drain inspection?
Updated October 2026
You should. A proper CCTV drain inspection gives you the video and a written report showing the location, depth and type of every defect. Some plumbers only show the footage on their screen, so ask before booking whether you'll receive a copy and the report, and whether either costs extra.
| Option | Typical Sydney cost | Block Drains |
|---|---|---|
| CCTV drain inspection | $200–$550 | $249 |
| Blocked sewer main (jet + camera) | $300–$800 | $549 |
What a proper inspection report includes
- The full video of the camera run, with the distance shown on screen.
- A written summary of each defect: roots, cracks, offsets, sags, collapses or foreign objects.
- Where each defect is, measured from the access point, and how deep it is.
- A clear recommendation: clear and monitor, repair, or reline.
Why the footage matters
- Second opinions. Another plumber can quote from the same footage without re-inspecting.
- Big repair quotes. If you're quoted thousands for relining or digging, the footage should show the defect being fixed.
- Rentals. A report showing tree roots or a broken pipe settles whether the landlord or tenant pays.
- Buying a house. A pre-purchase camera check on an older home with clay pipes can flag a repair before you sign.
- Insurance claims, where the insurer wants evidence of the cause.
What a CCTV inspection costs in Sydney
A standalone CCTV drain inspection typically costs $200–$550 in Sydney in business hours, with most quotes around $330. Pre-purchase reports with locator mapping sit at the higher end.
What a Block Drains inspection includes
Block Drains' CCTV inspection is a fixed $249. It uses a 1080p self-levelling camera that can travel up to 80 metres of line, and a built-in sonde locator so the surface position and depth of each defect can be marked. You get a written report with the location and type of every fault, or an all-clear.
How footage is usually delivered
- A video file or a download link sent after the job.
- Watching live on the plumber's monitor during the inspection, which is worth doing even if you also get a copy.
- Still images of each defect included in the written report.
Red flags
- The plumber won't let you see the screen.
- You're told the pipe is broken but given no footage or report.
- A repair price arrives before the line has been cleaned and filmed.
What to ask before booking
- Do I get a copy of the video, and in what format?
- Is the written report included in the price?
- Will defects be located and marked on the surface?
- How far along the line will the camera go?
Not sure which applies to you?
A camera inspection shows exactly what's wrong before you commit to anything.
Questions
- Can I ask for the CCTV footage after the job?
- Yes, but ask on the day. Not every plumber keeps footage for long, so request a copy before they leave.
- Is a CCTV report the same as a pre-purchase inspection?
- Not always. A pre-purchase report usually adds locating and mapping the line so you know where it runs and how deep it is. Ask for that specifically if you're buying.
More guides
- Pipe relining vs dig and replace: cost compared
- Hydro jetting vs electric eel: which clears a drain better?
- Is a CCTV drain inspection worth it?
- Blocked drain in a rental: landlord or tenant pays?
- How to spot a bait-and-switch plumbing quote in Sydney
- After-hours and weekend blocked drain costs in Sydney
- Is pipe relining worth it for old clay pipes?