What to Do If You’re Trying to Sell a House with Drainage Issues

Selling a property is rarely straightforward, but if your home has drainage problems, things can get even more complicated. Blocked pipes, collapsed drains, or faulty connections aren’t just unpleasant; they can also affect your property’s value, mortgage approval, and even the legality of the sale.

Many homeowners find themselves wondering: can I still sell my property if I have drainage issues? The answer is yes, but how you handle it makes all the difference.

This guide explains everything you need to know about selling a home with drainage problems in the UK, including your legal obligations, repair options, surveys, insurance and how to manage buyer negotiations.

Understanding Drainage Problems and Why They Matter

Common Drainage Issues in UK Properties

Drainage systems are often “out of sight, out of mind” until something goes wrong. Some of the most common problems that appear during a CCTV drain survey include:

• Collapsed or cracked pipes caused by ground movement or tree root intrusion
• Blockages from fat, grease, debris, or non-flushable items
• Misconnections, where wastewater is wrongly connected to the surface water system
• Joint displacement leading to leaks and water ingress
• Subsidence and dampness caused by leaking drains
• Shared drain complications between neighbouring properties

Any of these can cause unpleasant smells, slow drainage, recurring blockages or even structural damage.

Why Buyers and Lenders Care About Drainage

To a buyer or a mortgage lender, drainage problems are more than a plumbing issue. They are part of the property’s infrastructure. A damaged or inefficient system can:

• Lower the value of the property
• Delay or block mortgage approval, especially if insurers refuse to cover potential damage
• Create legal complications if problems are discovered after completion
• Put off buyers who fear hidden costs

Because of these risks, many buyers now insist on a CCTV drain survey before exchanging contracts, especially for older homes or properties that have experienced damp or flooding.

Legal Responsibilities: Disclosure and Duty of Care

When selling a home in England or Wales, you have a legal duty to be honest about what you know.

Property Information Form

If you are selling a residential property, you must complete a TA6 form, known as the Property Information Form. This document, issued by the Law Society, asks detailed questions about utilities, boundaries, and drainage.

You must disclose any known drainage issues, such as:

• Previous or ongoing blockages
• Repairs or relining work
• Shared drain arrangements
• Drainage easements or rights of way

Failing to disclose known problems can lead to legal action for misrepresentation. In some cases, the buyer could claim compensation or even try to cancel the sale.

Seller’s Duty of Honesty

Even if you have already fixed the issue, it helps to provide documentation such as:

• CCTV drain survey reports
• Repair invoices
• Insurance claim records
• Letters or emails from local water authorities
• Being transparent builds trust and reduces the risk of disputes later on.

Should You Repair Drainage Problems Before Selling?

One of the biggest questions sellers face is whether to fix drainage issues before listing the property or to sell it as it is.

Option 1: Repair Before Selling

If you have the budget and time, repairing the problem can make your property far more appealing. Most buyers prefer homes that are ready to move into and may overestimate repair costs when negotiating.

Benefits of repairing first:

• Higher potential asking price
• Smoother sale process with fewer surprises
• Easier mortgage and insurance approval
• Better impression during viewings and surveys

Even small repairs, such as clearing blockages or relining short pipe sections, can boost buyer confidence.

Option 2: Sell As Is

If you need a quick sale or cannot afford repairs, you can still sell the property with drainage issues. You should:

• Disclose all known problems
• Get a professional CCTV drain survey report to show buyers the full condition
• Obtain quotes from reliable drainage specialists so buyers know the expected cost
• You may have to accept a lower price, but this approach can attract cash buyers or investors who are comfortable dealing with repairs.

The Role of a CCTV Drain Survey in Property Sales

A CCTV drain survey is one of the best ways to understand your property’s drainage condition. It uses specialist cameras to inspect underground pipes and identify any damage, blockages or misconnections.

Why It Matters

• Provides objective evidence of drain condition
• Gives peace of mind to both buyer and seller
• Allows accurate repair estimates from professionals
• Improves transparency and speeds up the conveyancing process

Some lenders and insurers now request a drainage report before approving a mortgage or policy, particularly for properties built before 1970 or located in flood-prone areas.

What the Survey Involves

A typical CCTV drain survey includes:

• Inserting a camera into the drainage system
• Recording and assessing the internal condition of the pipes
• Identifying any faults, collapses, or blockages
• Producing a detailed written report with video footage
• Recommending next steps, such as repair, relining, or jetting

At cctvdrainsurveys.com, our engineers provide clear and easy-to-understand reports suitable for home buyers, sellers, and conveyancers.

Contact Unblockers.net for expert service and transparent pricing.

Who Pays for the Survey, Buyer or Seller?

Traditionally, the buyer arranges and pays for a drain survey during their due diligence. However, sellers can benefit from commissioning their own survey before listing the property.

Doing so puts you in control. You will know exactly what issues exist, can repair them on your own terms, and can present proof to potential buyers that the drains are in good condition.

If faults are found, you can use the report to obtain repair quotes and decide whether to fix the problem or adjust your asking price.

How Drainage Problems Affect Property Value

Estate agents and surveyors will consider drainage problems when valuing a property. The impact depends on several factors:

• How serious the issue is (for example, a small crack compared with a full system collapse)
• The cost of repairs in relation to the property’s value
• The type and location of the property
• Market demand in your area

Minor issues may have little effect, but major defects could reduce value by 5 to 15 percent. In some cases, it may discourage regular buyers and attract investors or developers instead.

Dealing with Shared Drains and Water Companies

Many homes in England, especially terraced or semi-detached ones, share drainage systems. Since 2011, most shared drains have become the responsibility of the local water authority rather than the individual homeowner.

If the issue is beyond your property boundary, it might not be your responsibility to repair it. Anything within your private boundary, such as internal pipes or gullies, remains yours to maintain.

Before selling, it is sensible to confirm:

• Which drains are private and which are shared
• Who is responsible for maintenance
• Whether any repairs have been done or approved by the water company

Your CCTV drain survey report can help clarify this information.

Negotiating with Buyers When Drainage Problems Are Found

If a buyer’s survey reveals drainage issues, it does not have to end the sale. This is common, and with the right approach, you can still move forward.

Options for Sellers

• Fix the problem before completion
• Hire a professional drainage contractor
• Provide repair certificates and warranty documents
• Offer a price reduction that matches the repair cost
• Get several quotes to back up your valuation
• This often satisfies buyers without delaying completion
• Sell to a cash buyer or investor
• These buyers are more flexible about defects
• A clear CCTV report still helps justify your asking price
• Being open and proactive usually leads to a smoother negotiation.

Mortgage and Insurance Considerations

 

Mortgage Lenders

If a survey reveals serious drainage defects, some lenders may delay or conditionally approve the mortgage. They might ask for:

• Proof that the issue has been repaired
• A professional CCTV drain survey report
• Retention of funds until work is complete
• Commissioning a drainage survey early helps prevent these delays.

Home Insurance

Home insurance usually covers sudden accidental damage to drains but not gradual wear and tear. If you have made a claim, you will need to disclose it during the sale process.

Having an up-to-date drain survey reassures buyers that there are no hidden risks likely to affect future claims.

Preventing Drainage Problems Before Selling

If your drains currently work well, it still pays to be proactive before putting your home on the market. A few simple maintenance steps can prevent problems later.

Maintenance Tips

• Avoid flushing wipes, fats, or sanitary products
• Keep gullies and gutters clean
• Have your drains professionally jetted and inspected every few years
• Cut back tree roots near drain runs
• Watch for damp patches or signs of leaks around manholes
• These small actions can help keep your drains in good condition and your sale process stress-free.

Why a Professional Drainage Company Matters

Not all drainage surveys are equal. Choosing an experienced and accredited company ensures accurate reports and credibility with buyers, lenders, and solicitors.

A professional company like CCTV Drain Surveys offers:

• Fully qualified engineers
• High-definition inspection equipment
• Detailed PDF reports and video footage
• Recommendations specifically for property sales
• Fast turnaround times for conveyancers
• Our surveys are designed for homeowners, estate agents, and solicitors, giving everyone confidence in the property’s drainage condition.

Key Takeaways

• You can sell a property with drainage problems, but you must be transparent
• Always disclose known issues on the TA6 property information form
• A CCTV drain survey provides proof, builds trust, and avoids disputes
• Decide whether to repair or sell as-is based on time and cost
• Understanding your drainage system early gives you control during negotiations

Drainage problems do not have to stop you from selling your home. With the right preparation, a professional CCTV drain survey and open communication, you can turn a potential setback into a successful sale.

At cctvdrainsurveys.com, we help homeowners across England identify and resolve drainage issues before they cause problems during property transactions.

Whether you are selling, buying, or handling conveyancing, we can provide fast, accurate drainage reports and expert advice.

Book your CCTV drain survey today and make your property sale smooth and worry-free.

Contact Unblockers.net for expert service and transparent pricing.