A CCTV pipe survey has no flat rate. The fee mainly depends on four things: how long a section of drain is surveyed, how accessible the site is, whether a manhole has to be opened or the line pre-cleared before the camera can enter, and whether you need a formal report. WhatsApp us the address and rough situation and a legitimate company can quote a firm figure — confirmed before the work starts, with no on-site price hike. For how the service itself works, see "What Is a CCTV Pipe Survey".
What Does a CCTV Pipe Survey Cost Depend On?
Because every site is different, the quote isn't a single fixed price. It mainly depends on:
- Length of drain surveyed: the longer the run of pipe, the more distance, time and recording involved, and the fee is adjusted accordingly.
- How accessible the site is: whether the manhole is easy to reach, whether there are obstructions, and whether the work is in a basement or on a rooftop all affect manpower and time.
- Whether a manhole must be opened or the line pre-cleared: if a sealed cover has to be opened, or the drain is blocked solid so the camera can't get in and a basic clearing is needed first, that part is generally charged separately.
- Whether you need a formal report: simply viewing the footage on site is different from producing a written report with video, marking the location and depth of each problem — for owners' corporations, management offices, or a property transaction.
- Service timing: call-outs on Sundays, public holidays or same-day emergencies are generally higher than on regular days.
A company willing to explain, at the enquiry stage, which factors the charge is based on is more reliable than one that blurts out a "fixed price" with no reasoning — the one who can name the factors is the one who knows the job.
Does Opening a Manhole, or Clearing a Blockage First, Cost Extra?
Yes. A CCTV survey is a "looking" job, and it only works if the camera can get in. If a sealed manhole has to be opened, or the drain is so blocked that the camera can't be pushed through, a basic clearing has to happen first before anything can be filmed. Those are extra tasks and are generally charged separately from the survey. So when you enquire, say as much as you know: where the manhole is, whether the cover can be opened, and whether the line blocks repeatedly — so the company can assess whether that part is needed and quote for it all at once, instead of you discovering an extra charge on the day.
Buying, Handover or Building Drain Inspection — Is the Cost Different?
Drain due diligence before buying or selling a village house or property, and routine inspection of a building's shared drains, usually aren't a single short section — they cover a full run of drain and come with a report you can file and discuss at a meeting, so they're priced by drain length and report requirements, unlike a one-off "it's blocked, find the source" survey. For these cases, spell it out from the start: which sections to film, whether you need a written report and footage, and who it's for (the owners' corporation / management office / solicitor) — so the company can quote accurately. To understand causes and prevention along the way, see "Common Causes of Sewer Blockages and How to Prevent Them".
How to Choose a CCTV Survey Without Getting Ripped Off
- Verify the DSD registration number: legitimate drainage companies hold a Drainage Services Department registration number you can look up on the department's public list. Ask for it before booking and check it yourself.
- A quote they can explain: a company willing to spell out that the charge is based on drain length, access, opening manholes and reporting is better than one that quotes a "fixed price" with no explanation.
- They can actually provide footage and a report: if the survey is for a transaction or an owners' corporation meeting, ask up front whether there's video and a report marking location and depth — don't find out afterwards that it was verbal only.
- Don't just chase the cheapest: a low quote followed by "we need to open a manhole, clear the line, extra for this and that" once on site is exactly the trap.
To arrange it in one visit, or combine it with drain clearing or septic pumping, describe your site on our "CCTV drain survey" page, or just WhatsApp us.
FAQ
Q: Is there a flat rate for a CCTV pipe survey? No. The fee depends on the length of drain surveyed, site access, whether a manhole must be opened or the line pre-cleared, and whether you need a formal report. Give the address and situation and a legitimate company will quote a firm figure, confirmed before the work starts.
Q: Does the drain have to be cleared first before it can be filmed? Not always. If the drain is clear enough for the camera to enter, it can be filmed directly. Only when it's blocked solid and the camera can't be pushed through does a basic clearing come first, and that part is generally charged separately.
Q: Do I get footage and a report afterwards? Video and a report showing the location and depth of each problem can be provided — useful for owners, owners' corporations and property management companies to file, discuss and obtain repair quotes. Just say at the enquiry stage whether you need a written report.
Motion Waste Management Limited (DSD registration number P0038) has served Hong Kong since 1992, providing CCTV pipe survey services alongside septic tank, grease trap, drain clearing and sludge/slurry removal — so we can attend in a single visit, survey first and then carry out the work, cutting the time and cost of repeat visits. Our registration number can be verified on the DSD's public list. When you enquire, we first understand the site — roughly how long the drain run is, where the manhole is, and access — before providing a transparent quote, with no on-site price hikes. To arrange a survey or ask for a quote, describe your site via WhatsApp or the quotation form; details are on our "CCTV drain survey" page.