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Why CCTV Drain Inspections Are Essential During Building Construction

  • Emily Gowers
  • Sep 4
  • 3 min read

Updated: Sep 12

By Sewer Cure – Drainage & Inspection Specialists in Geelong, The Bellarine & The Surf Coast


When building a new home, unit complex, or commercial site in Geelong, every detail matters. One of the most commonly overlooked—but absolutely critical—parts of the construction process is CCTV drain inspection.


At Sewer Cure, we work closely with builders, site supervisors, and developers across Greater Geelong and the Surf Coast to ensure sewer and stormwater systems are 100% functional and compliant—before the concrete is poured and before handover to the new owners.


Here’s why CCTV inspections during construction are not just a best practice—they’re essential.


What is a CCTV Drain Inspection?


A CCTV (Closed Circuit Television) drain inspection uses a specialised high-definition drain

camera to visually inspect the inside of newly installed pipes. We insert the camera into

stormwater and sewer lines to:


● Check for correct pipe alignment and gradient

● Ensure concrete footings or pier holes have not contacted below ground pipes

● Identify any obstructions, breaks, dips or foreign material

● Confirm that pipe joins are sealed correctly

● Ensure no construction debris is present

● Record footage and supply a compliance report if needed


Why It's Vital Before Slabs and Foundations Are Poured


Once a concrete slab is laid or a driveway is poured, access to the underground stormwater and sewer network becomes difficult—if not impossible—without expensive excavation.


If there’s a fault hidden in those pipes, it can go unnoticed until:


● The homeowner moves in and starts experiencing blockages or backups

● The pipe fails and causes water damage under the slab

● Downpipes are connected to stormwater and not draining


A quick CCTV inspection before concrete is poured gives builders and developers peace of

mind that the underground drainage is sound and compliant.


Common Issues We Find on New Builds


Even with the best tradies on site, problems still happen—usually due to short timelines, huge workload for supervisors, multiple subcontractors, or heavy machinery on site.


During new build CCTV inspections, we often find:


● Crushed or sagging pipes from vehicle pressure

● Misaligned joins between pipe sections

● Foreign debris inside the pipes (rocks, timber, plastic)

● Incorrect fall or backfall


All of these issues can delay payments, lead to rework, or worse—lead to complaints made by the customer to the BPC about the registered builder and licensed plumber.


Why It Matters Before Handover


Builders are under pressure to hand over a home that’s defect-free. But plumbing

problems—especially hidden underground—can ruin the client’s experience and lead to costly rectifications down the track.


With a CCTV drain inspection:


● You avoid plumbing call-backs after settlement

● You hand over a home with no hidden drainage faults

● You provide video evidence to councils, certifiers, or clients

● You uphold your reputation for quality and reliability

● You meet compliance and warranty obligations


How Blockage Masters Supports Builders & Developers


We’re not just plumbers—we’re your construction-stage drainage partners. Here’s how we work with you:


CCTV inspections at key construction stages:


● Before slab pours

● Prior to final inspection or handover


Detailed reports with HD footage


● Highlighting any issues and confirming clear drainage lines


Jetting and clearing (if needed on-site)


● We can immediately clear debris if we find anything in the line, such as brickies slurry, and obstructions


Fast scheduling and turnaround


● We work to your build timeline and are flexible with short notice


Compliance support


● Reports accepted by building surveyors, councils, and asset protection inspectors


Servicing Geelong’s Construction Industry – Fast, Professional, Reliable


We’ve worked with builders across Armstrong Creek, Charlemont, Drysdale, Lara, and Torquay to help deliver smooth handovers and avoid costly post-construction plumbing disasters.


Whether it’s a single home or a 20-unit development, Sewer Cure is your go-to CCTV inspection team.


Are you a builder?


Please reach out directly or see our commercial services page for more information (hyperlink to commercial page) Protect your slab, your build timeline, and your reputation. Book your pre-slab or pre-handover CCTV drain inspection today and ensure what’s underground is built just as solid as everything above it.

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