Need to know what’s happening inside your drains or pipes? HydroVac provides professional CCTV drain inspections, CCTV pipe inspections and CCTV drain surveys throughout New Zealand. Using high-definition camera technology, we inspect underground drains, sewer pipes and stormwater systems to accurately identify blockages, cracks, leaks, tree root intrusion and structural defects without unnecessary excavation.
Whether you’re investigating an ongoing drainage issue, planning a construction project or meeting council or Watercare requirements, our experienced technicians provide accurate inspections, detailed reporting and practical recommendations to help you make informed decisions.
What is a CCTV Drain Inspection?
A CCTV drain inspection uses specialised waterproof cameras to inspect the inside of underground drainage and pipe networks without the need for excavation. The camera is carefully fed through the pipe, capturing high-definition footage that allows our technicians to identify the exact cause and location of any issues.
HydroVac carries out CCTV drain inspections, CCTV pipe inspections and CCTV drain surveys for residential, commercial, industrial and civil clients. Our inspections can identify blockages, tree root intrusion, cracked or collapsed pipes, corrosion, joint failures and other defects that may be affecting the performance of your drainage system.
Following the inspection, we provide clear reports, video footage and recommendations, helping you make informed decisions about repairs, maintenance or future works.
From smaller cameras through to our mainline tractor cameras, we can carry out detailed CCTV pipe inspections for residential, commercial and council infrastructure.
Why choose a CCTV drain inspection?
- No unnecessary digging
- Accurate diagnosis – no guessing
- Locate blockages and damage
- Identify tree root intrusion
- Measure pipe depth and grade
- Receive digital reports and video footage
- Suitable for pre-build and post-build inspections



Our CCTV Inspection Capabilities
At HydroVac we have the latest equipment for CCTV drain inspections and underground pipe inspections. Our state-of-the-art cameras provide exceptional image quality, allowing us to accurately assess the condition of your drainage network.
Our range of camera sizes and mobile inspection units means we’re able to inspect almost anything, anywhere. From cameras designed for smaller pipework through to our mainline tractor cameras, we can carry out detailed CCTV pipe inspections for residential, commercial and council infrastructure. Our tractor camera systems are utilised by councils and produce professional reports using the Wincan software platform.
When might you need a CCTV Pipe Inspection?
A CCTV pipe inspection provides a fast and accurate way to diagnose hidden drainage problems before they become costly repairs. Because the inspection is non-invasive, it eliminates unnecessary excavation and pinpoints the exact location of any faults.
HydroVac’s CCTV drain inspections and drain surveys are commonly used for:
- Drain surveys
- Locating faults or obstructions up to 15 metres deep (depending on ground conditions)
- Diagnosing drain leaks
- Drain unblocking, root cutting and pipe flushing
- Sewer and stormwater inspections
- Pre-build and post-build drain surveys
- Pre-purchase property inspections
- Locating tree root intrusion
- Providing Council GIS as-built plans confirming pipe locations
- Locating junctions and obtaining accurate depth and position readings
- Measuring pipe grades using our built-in inclinometer
- Watercare CCTV drainage reports
HydroVac is a qualified Watercare CCTV drainage report provider, having completed Watercare’s health and safety induction requirements.
Complete CCTV Drain Survey & Reporting Services
Using our advanced CCTV drain survey equipment, we provide complete inspection, survey and location services for underground drainage systems. If repairs are required following your inspection, our extensive network of trusted plumbing and drainage contractors can undertake dig-and-fix repairs.
Additional services include:
- On-site pipe locating and marking
- Basic condition assessments
- Comprehensive CCTV drain inspection reports
- Pre-purchase house inspections
- Council reporting
- Pre-build reports
- Post-build reports
Our CCTV drain inspection services are available throughout Auckland and Wellington. PushRod CCTV inspection and location services are currently available in Christchurch, with Tractor CCTV inspections coming soon.
Frequently Asked Questions
The cost of a CCTV drain inspection depends on factors such as the size of the drainage network, the accessibility of the pipes and the level of reporting required. Whether you need a simple residential drain inspection or a comprehensive CCTV drain survey for a commercial or civil project, our team can provide a tailored quote based on your requirements.
A CCTV drain inspection can identify a wide range of drainage issues without the need for excavation. These include blockages, tree root intrusion, cracked or collapsed pipes, corrosion, displaced joints, leaks, sediment build-up and other structural defects. The inspection provides a clear picture of the condition of your drainage system, allowing repairs to be accurately targeted.
Yes. Every CCTV pipe inspection includes a detailed report outlining our findings, along with video footage and recommendations where required. Reports can be provided electronically, making it easy to share information with councils, contractors, engineers, insurers or property owners.
Yes. A CCTV drain survey is one of the most effective ways to identify tree root intrusion within underground pipes. The camera footage shows exactly where roots have entered the drainage system and the extent of the damage, allowing the most appropriate repair or root-cutting solution to be recommended.
A CCTV drain inspection is recommended whenever you’re experiencing recurring drain blockages, slow-draining pipes, unexplained leaks or suspected damage to your drainage system. It’s also commonly used before purchasing a property, before or after construction projects, when preparing council or Watercare documentation, or whenever you need to assess the condition of underground pipes.
No. A CCTV drain inspection is a non-invasive process that uses specialised waterproof cameras to inspect the inside of your drainage system. In most cases, the camera is inserted through an existing access point, allowing us to identify the location and cause of any issues without unnecessary digging or disruption to your property.

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