Drainage Investigation: Why Understanding the Problem Is Half the Solution

Drainage problems can be a major headache, especially when the cause isn’t immediately clear. Whether you’re dealing with a recurring blockage, flooding, unpleasant odours, or a sudden system failure, jumping straight into repairs without knowing what’s really going on can lead to wasted time and money.

That’s where a professional drainage investigation comes in.

We believe that getting to the root of the issue is always the first step. Our team delivers in-depth drainage investigations across the UK for commercial, industrial, and public sector clients, helping you take informed action, not guesswork.

What Is a Drainage Investigation?

A drainage investigation is a structured process to examine what’s happening inside your drainage system. It goes beyond simply clearing blockages, it’s about identifying causes, mapping out drainage layouts, assessing pipe condition, and highlighting risks before they turn into costly repairs.

Depending on your needs, an investigation might include:

• CCTV drain surveys to get a live visual of pipe interiors
• Drain tracing to map out buried or undocumented drainage systems
• Flow and pressure testing to assess how well the system is functioning
• Dye testing to trace water paths and locate cross-connections or leaks
• Condition reporting with recommendations for repair or replacement

We use cutting-edge equipment to carry out all of these services with precision and minimal disruption.

When Should You Consider a Drainage Investigation?

Not every drainage issue is dramatic, many problems develop slowly over time. If you’re noticing the following signs, it’s worth getting your system checked:

• Recurring blockages or slow drains
• Foul smells coming from manholes or pipes
• Water backing up during heavy rain
• Damp patches around the property
• Unexplained high water bills
• Suspected damage following construction or ground movement

Even if there’s no obvious issue, many of our clients request a drainage investigation as part of planned maintenance or prior to site development, helping prevent surprises down the line.

Why It Matters: The Benefits of a Professional Investigation

1. Avoid Unnecessary Repairs

Without proper diagnostics, you risk spending money on short-term fixes that don’t address the real issue. A thorough investigation pinpoints the exact cause, so you only invest where it’s needed.

2. Protect Your Property

Drain issues can escalate quickly,  from structural damage caused by leaks to hygiene concerns linked to overflowing systems. Early detection gives you time to act before problems spread.

3. Stay Compliant

For commercial or industrial sites, drainage performance can be linked to environmental and safety regulations. Detailed reports from a drainage investigation help you stay compliant and audit-ready.

4. Plan Ahead with Confidence

If you’re extending a building, buying a property, or managing large infrastructure, knowing the condition and layout of your drains helps you plan with clarity and avoid unexpected costs.

Our Approach

We understand that every drainage system is different. Our experienced engineers tailor each investigation to your specific site, whether it’s an industrial facility, business park, school, or public site.

We pride ourselves on clear communication. After completing the investigation, we’ll walk you through our findings and provide a detailed report.

We also offer follow-up services such as drain unblocking, pipe relining, and cleaning, so if repairs are required, you won’t need to coordinate multiple contractors.

Get Peace of Mind with Expert Drainage Support

If you’re unsure what’s happening below ground, don’t wait for the issue to get worse. A professional drainage investigation from Mantank gives you the insight to make the right decisions, whether it’s a simple clean-up or a full repair.

We’re here to help you protect your property, your people, and your peace of mind.