Blockage Investigations

If your drains keep blocking and no one can tell you why, a blockage investigation gets to the bottom of it. Instead of clearing the same blockage every few weeks, we find the actual cause so it can be fixed for good.

ICE Drainage carries out CCTV blockage investigations for commercial and industrial sites across the UK. We send a camera through the affected pipework, record exactly what's happening inside, and give you a clear report on what's causing the problem and how to fix it.

A blockage investigation typically covers:

• A full CCTV survey of the affected drain run
• Identification of the blockage type (grease, roots, silt, debris, damage, and so on)
• The exact location of the problem, measured from a fixed point
• Footage and photos showing the condition of the pipe
• An assessment of any structural issues contributing to the blockage
• A written report with clear recommendations

The output is designed to be usable by facilities teams, insurers, and contractors carrying out repair work.

Key benefits include:

• Finds the real cause instead of just treating the symptom
• Stops you paying for repeat call-outs on the same blockage
• Gives you evidence to support insurance claims or disputes
• Confirms whether the problem is a one-off or a sign of a bigger issue
• Speeds up repair work by telling contractors exactly what they're dealing with
• Helps you plan proper maintenance instead of reacting to emergencies

If a drain keeps blocking and clearing it never seems to fix the problem, an investigation is the next step.

What causes recurring blockages?

Blockages come back for all kinds of reasons, and it's not always obvious from the surface. Common causes include:

• Grease and fat build-up in kitchen or catering drains
• Tree root ingrowth through cracked or open joints
• Collapsed, cracked, or misaligned pipework
• Silt and debris settling in low-flow sections
• Scale build-up in older pipework
• Foreign objects such as wipes, rags, or building waste
• Poor original installation, including incorrect falls

Our survey identifies which of these is behind your blockage, so we're not guessing.

Our blockage investigation process

We follow a clear process to get you an answer as fast as possible.

1) Initial call and site details

We ask about the history of the blockage, how often it happens, and any patterns you've noticed. This helps us focus the survey on the right areas.

2) CCTV survey

We send a camera through the drain run to record its full condition, including the exact point and cause of the blockage.

3) Analysis and reporting

We review the footage and put together a report showing what we found, where it is, and why it's happening.

4) Recommendations

We tell you what needs to happen next, whether that's a clean, a repair, a reline, or ongoing maintenance to stop it coming back.

5) Next steps

If repair or clearance work is needed, we can carry this out directly or hand the report to your chosen contractor.

Common use cases

Clients usually ask for a blockage investigation when:

• A drain has blocked more than once with no clear cause
• Jetting or rodding clears the blockage but it returns within weeks
• There's a smell, slow drainage, or gurgling with no obvious reason
• A new tenant or site manager has inherited an unexplained recurring issue
• An insurer or landlord needs evidence before agreeing to repair work
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Book a blockage investigation with ICE Drainage

If a blockage keeps coming back and you need to know why, ICE Drainage can help.

Contact ICE Drainage to discuss the problem. We'll confirm the details, carry out the survey, and give you a clear report with practical next steps.