What a CCTV Drain Survey Report Shows: MSCC5 Codes and Grades

A CCTV drain survey report shows what a camera found inside your pipes: where each drain runs, what it is made of, and every defect along the way. Each defect is recorded by its distance from the start point, a standard code, its size and its position around the pipe, then graded so you can see what needs fixing now and what can wait.

This guide explains the standard behind the codes, how to read the tables and what a good report should include.

What standard are CCTV drain reports written to?

Most professional reports in the UK are coded to MSCC5, the WRc Manual of Sewer Condition Classification, 5th edition, published in October 2013. It is the UK standard for describing defects in sewers and drains, it is aligned to the European standard BS EN 13508-2, and WRc says it is used across more than 500,000 km of UK sewers.

Surveys of domestic drains often use the simplified coding in the WRc Drain Repair Book (4th edition, 2017). WRc produced it with the ABI Property Claims Working Group, and it is widely used by both insurers and drain repairers.

The reports themselves are usually produced in specialist software. WinCan, for example, supports both MSCC5 detailed surveys and Drain Repair Book domestic surveys, so the codes, photos and diagram all come out in a consistent format.

What does each line of the report mean?

Every defect is a separate entry. According to guidance on the standard, each one records:

• Distance: how far along the pipe the defect is, measured from the start point (usually an inspection chamber). This is what lets an engineer dig or patch in exactly the right place.
• Code: a short standard abbreviation for the type of defect.
• Size or extent: a percentage for roots and debris (how much of the pipe they block) and millimetres for joint displacement.
• Clock position: where the defect sits around the pipe, read like a clock face as the camera sees it, so "12" is the top of the pipe and "6" is the bottom.

A typical entry might read "4.20 m, CL, 12". That means a longitudinal crack 4.2 metres along the pipe, running along the top of it.

What do the common MSCC5 codes mean?

These are examples of codes you are likely to see. Exact wording can vary slightly depending on the software and whether a full MSCC5 or a domestic survey was carried out.

A "survey abandoned" entry isn't a failure in itself, but the report should explain why, for example a blockage, a collapse or a bend the camera couldn't pass, and what is recommended next.

How do the grades work?

MSCC5 surveys usually give two kinds of grade:

• Structural grade: how sound the pipe itself is (cracks, fractures, deformation, collapse).
• Service grade: how well the pipe is working (roots, grease, deposits, standing water).

Grades typically run from 1, meaning acceptable, to 5, meaning immediate action is needed. That is how survey software vendors such as Geocadra describe the scale, and your surveyor should explain what each grade means for your drain in plain English.

As a rough guide to reading them:

• Grades 1 to 2: minor issues. Keep an eye on them or deal with them at the next maintenance visit.
• Grade 3: a defect worth planning a repair for, especially if it is getting worse or causing blockages.
• Grades 4 to 5: serious defects that are likely to cause blockages, leaks or collapse and should be dealt with promptly.

Service defects can often be fixed by cleaning, for example jetting away grease. Structural defects need a repair such as patching, relining or excavation.

What should a good drain survey report include?

The Financial Ombudsman Service expects a drainage report used in an insurance dispute to cover condition detail, a pipework diagram, the location of defects and the pipe material. In practice, look for:

• property address, date and the name of the person who carried out the survey;
• a site plan or diagram showing each run between chambers, with flow direction;
• the pipe material, diameter and length for each run;
• a defect table for each run, with distances, codes, clock positions and grades;
• still images of the significant defects;
• the recorded footage, so another engineer can check the findings;
• clear recommendations, separating essential repairs from optional ones;
• notes on any runs that couldn't be surveyed and why.

Be cautious about a report that lists defects without distances or images, or recommends expensive work without showing the evidence.

How much does a CCTV drain survey cost?

Market ranges vary widely with property size and the type of report:

These are typical ranges from national price guides, not quotes. Drains sometimes need clearing before the camera can see anything, which is why some surveys include or add jetting. If you are buying a home, our guide to drain surveys when buying a house covers what to ask for.

When to call a professional

Book a survey if a drain keeps blocking, if you've seen signs of damage (see our guide to the signs of a blocked or collapsed drain), if you are planning an extension near a drain, or if your insurer has asked for evidence. Urgent Drainage Solutions carries out CCTV drain surveys across Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Lincolnshire from £120 + VAT for up to 100 m of accessible runs, including a written report. Our reports are produced in WinCan and coded to WRc MSCC5, and we talk you through the findings before recommending anything.

There is no call-out fee and the price is agreed before we start. See our prices, book online or call 07300 600 950.

Sources

• WRc: Manual of Sewer Condition Classification, 5th edition
• WRc: Drain Repair Book, 4th edition
• WinCan sewer inspection software
• Geocadra: WRc MSCC5 overview
• Financial Ombudsman Service: home insurance and drains
• Checkatrade: CCTV drain survey cost
• MyJobQuote: drain survey cost