We have invested in advanced CCTV drain inspection technology, including a new iPEK crawler system, to strengthen our inspection capability and support a major new commercial drainage contract.
The investment reflects the scale and complexity of the work we are increasingly delivering across the South East. Many commercial sites have larger drainage networks, where clear evidence, accurate reporting and faster diagnosis are essential for planning maintenance and repairs.
The new crawler system forms part of our continued investment in equipment, technology and capability, helping us inspect larger and more complex drainage networks with greater detail and confidence.
What is an iPEK crawler system?
An iPEK crawler system is a robotic CCTV inspection unit designed for professional pipe and sewer inspection.
Unlike smaller push-camera systems typically used for short domestic runs, crawler systems are built for larger diameter pipework and more demanding commercial environments. The robotic unit travels through the drainage system while transmitting live footage back to the operator, allowing the condition of the pipework to be assessed in real time.
Depending on configuration, iPEK crawler systems can inspect pipe diameters from around 150mm up to 1000mm and beyond. The systems can include steerable drive units, interchangeable wheel sets, powerful LED lighting and pan-and-tilt camera technology, allowing engineers to capture detailed footage even in difficult underground conditions.
In practical terms, it gives us greater reach, clearer visibility and a more detailed understanding of what is happening within the drainage system.
Why advanced CCTV drain surveys matter
Many drainage problems develop gradually and remain hidden long before they become visible on the surface.
A recurring blockage, slow drainage issue or overflowing gully may be the first sign that something is wrong, but the underlying cause is often much deeper within the network itself. Problems such as root intrusion, displaced joints, structural defects, debris accumulation or sections of deteriorating pipework can continue developing unnoticed without specialist inspection.
This is where CCTV drainage surveys play an important role.
At Drain & Sewer Services, we carry out CCTV drain surveys across a wide range of commercial environments, from large housing developments and industrial sites to schools, healthcare facilities and infrastructure projects. Using live camera technology, we can inspect drainage systems internally and identify issues in real time without unnecessary excavation.
Modern CCTV survey technology allows us to provide far more than a simple inspection. Depending on the survey requirements, clients can receive live video footage, recorded inspection files, drainage mapping and written reports shortly after the survey has been completed.
This helps clients understand the condition of their drainage infrastructure more clearly and make informed decisions about maintenance, repairs and future planning.
Strengthening our capability for larger commercial projects
The new iPEK crawler system significantly expands our ability to inspect larger and more complex drainage networks.
Longer pipe runs, larger diameter systems and more challenging underground environments often require a different level of inspection capability than standard camera systems can provide. The crawler allows us to travel further into the network while maintaining stable, high-quality footage throughout the inspection.
This is particularly valuable on larger commercial and infrastructure sites where understanding the condition of underground drainage assets is critical to ongoing maintenance and operational planning.
Rather than relying on assumptions or repeatedly reacting to the same issue, detailed CCTV inspections allow us to identify the exact cause of a problem and recommend the most appropriate course of action. In many cases, this reduces unnecessary excavation, improves repair accuracy and helps clients plan maintenance more effectively.
The system also strengthens our ability to support ongoing planned maintenance programmes, where regular inspection and monitoring can help identify issues before they become disruptive or expensive to repair.
Investing in capability to support major contracts
This investment follows the award of a major new commercial drainage contract and reflects our continued commitment to investing in technology, equipment and service delivery.
We provide a comprehensive range of drainage solutions for commercial clients across the South East, supporting organisations across retail, industrial, education, healthcare, aviation and facilities management.
Working across these sectors means understanding the practical realities of live operational environments. Drainage investigations and repairs often need to be carried out while maintaining access, minimising disruption and providing clear reporting back to facilities teams, contractors or estate managers.
By investing in advanced inspection equipment such as the iPEK crawler system, we are continuing to strengthen our ability to support larger commercial drainage projects and more demanding inspection requirements across the region.
More accurate information, better decision-making
One of the biggest advantages of advanced CCTV inspection is the quality of information it provides.
Rather than relying on assumptions about what may be happening underground, clients can see clear visual evidence of the condition of the drainage system. This allows maintenance and repair decisions to be based on accurate inspection data rather than guesswork.
Detailed CCTV inspections can help identify:
- structural defects within pipework
- root intrusion and debris build-up
- displaced or damaged joints
- developing collapses or restrictions
- recurring defect locations
- maintenance priorities across larger drainage systems
For commercial clients responsible for larger sites or infrastructure assets, having this level of visibility can make a significant difference to maintenance planning, budgeting and long-term asset management.
How we can help
At Drain & Sewer Services, we support commercial properties, estates and infrastructure sites across the South East with professional drainage investigation, maintenance and repair services.
Our services include CCTV drain surveys, robotic crawler inspections, drain jetting, blockage clearance, drainage repairs, culvert maintenance, surface water drainage support and planned maintenance programmes.
With the addition of the new iPEK crawler system, we are now able to carry out even more detailed inspections across larger and more complex drainage networks, helping clients identify problems earlier and manage their drainage infrastructure more effectively.
Conclusion
The new iPEK crawler system is more than a piece of inspection equipment. It represents an ongoing investment in capability, helping us support larger commercial contracts and provide clients with clearer, more detailed insight into the condition of their drainage systems.
As commercial drainage infrastructure becomes larger and more complex, advanced CCTV inspection technology is playing an increasingly important role in maintenance planning, defect identification and long-term asset management.
By continuing to invest in specialist inspection capability, we are strengthening our ability to support commercial clients across the South East with reliable, professional drainage services.
FAQs
What is an iPEK crawler system?
An iPEK crawler system is a robotic CCTV inspection unit designed for inspecting larger pipes and sewer networks.
What are the benefits of CCTV drain surveys?
CCTV drain surveys allow drainage systems to be inspected internally, helping identify hidden defects, blockages and structural issues without excavation.
What types of sites do you carry out CCTV surveys on?
We support a wide range of commercial environments including industrial sites, schools, healthcare facilities, infrastructure projects and commercial developments.
Why is advanced CCTV inspection important for commercial drainage systems?
Advanced inspection technology provides clearer information about the condition of underground drainage infrastructure, helping clients plan maintenance and identify issues earlier.
