CCTV Drain Inspection Cost – Factors That Affect Pricing For Residential & Commercial Properties
Whether you’re a homeowner dealing with frequent blockages or a business operator trying to avoid costly shutdowns, knowing what’s happening inside your pipes is key. At Cre8flow in Geelong, we use advanced CCTV drain inspections to help property owners across both residential and commercial properties identify problems early and avoid unnecessary repairs or disruptions.
Using the latest camera technology, we can locate leaks, assess pipe condition, and get a crystal-clear picture of your sewer lines—all without digging up your garden, concrete or shop floor.
What Is A CCTV Drain Inspection?
A CCTV drain inspection is a non-invasive way to perform detailed pipe inspections using a high-definition, waterproof camera system. The camera is inserted directly into your sewer or stormwater lines and feeds real-time footage to a screen, allowing a licenced plumber like Simon to identify any drainage problems, blockages, or damage with precision.
From small blockages to full pipe repairs, this technology eliminates the guesswork and ensures the right solution is applied the first time – saving you from further damage and unexpected costs down the line.
“For one local cafe, the camera showed us a collapsed junction right under their kitchen floor. We fixed it before it shut down their operations for a weekend. In a nearby home, we found tree roots that kept causing slow drains – now it’s sorted for good.” Simon

Why CCTV Inspections Matter for Commercial and Residential Properties
A CCTV drain camera inspection can prevent repeated call-outs, water damage and stress in residential properties. For commercial properties – think shops, restaurants, offices, and real estate-managed buildings – they can avoid downtime, health risks and costly emergency plumbing work.
Regular inspections help:
- Detect cracks or root intrusions early
- Prevent major failures in sewer lines
- Identify issues before buying or selling property (especially valuable for real estate agents)
- Avoid disruptions to tenants, customers, or employees
Simon offers same-day service across Geelong and the Surf Coast, and he’s fully equipped, insured and licenced for jobs of all sizes.
How Do CCTV Drain Inspections Work?
- Setup: We connect to the nearest accessible drain, often through a stormwater pit or inspection point.
- Camera Insertion: A high-definition camera is inserted and navigated through the pipe system.
- Live Viewing: Footage appears in real time, showing the pipe condition, blockages or cracks.
- Location: Using sonde technology, we can pinpoint the exact access point of the issue underground.
- Reporting: You get a clear explanation of the issue, a recorded copy for future playback, and next steps if repairs are needed.
This method is ideal for investigating ongoing issues or checking the health of your drainage system after building or renovation work.
What Can CCTV Inspections Detect?
Simon’s inspections can reveal:
- Tree roots growing into sewer or stormwater lines
- Cracked, corroded, or collapsed pipes
- Foreign objects causing blockages
- Poor previous workmanship or age-related pipe damage
- Misaligned joints or shifting in clay and terracotta pipework.
These issues often go unnoticed until it’s too late, especially in older homes or commercial buildings built before modern plumbing standards.
How Much Does a CCTV Drain Inspection Cost?
The overall cost of a CCTV inspection depends on a few variables—but we always offer fixed pricing with no hidden costs. You’ll know exactly what you’re paying for upfront.
Simon’s Rates:
- Standard CCTV Inspection: From $300 to $500 for most residential properties
- Hourly Rate: $160/hour, including reporting and camera equipment
- Commercial Properties & Large Jobs: From $500, depending on site size and system complexity
“A local rental property in East Geelong cost $350 to inspect and clear with jetting. A larger commercial job for a retail complex came in at $1,200 due to longer pipe runs and multiple access points,” Simon explains.
What Can Affect the Cost?
Lots of factors can affect the costs of the inspection process, which means costs can vary depending on the exact location and the complexity of the pipe systems. We provide a quote before we start any work, and you’ll also get a detailed report on what’s causing your drainage and plumbing problems.
- Property Size & Layout: Larger or more complex systems naturally take longer to inspect.
- Pipe Length & Accessibility: The more ground we need to cover or harder it is to reach pipes, the longer the job takes.
- Blockage Severity: If we need to use a water jetter to clear the pipe before inserting the camera, this will impact timing and cost.
- Type of Equipment Required: Advanced tools like pan/tilt cameras and sonar locators add value and accuracy to the inspection, but also reflect in pricing.
We understand that cost matters, especially for small business owners and families. That’s why we offer fixed pricing, honest advice and dedicated support for every customer – residential or commercial.

Advanced Tech = Better Outcomes
Our fully equipped van carries the latest CCTV drain camera systems with features like:
- 100+ metre range
- Live footage with future playback option
- Accurate depth and direction tracking
- On-the-spot reporting for insurers or real estate agents
Using this tech, we can diagnose and resolve your plumbing issue quickly and with minimal disruption.
Pipe Relining & Repairs After Inspection
If a pipe inspection reveals structural damage, Simon and his team may recommend pipe relining – a trenchless, non-destructive way to restore damaged pipes. This is especially useful under driveways, buildings or garden beds.
The process involves inserting a resin liner inside the existing pipe, curing it in place and restoring full function without excavation. It’s a smart solution for both commercial and residential properties, reducing downtime and preserving infrastructure.
Why Geelong Property Owners Trust Simon
With over three decades in the field and as a local resident himself, Simon is known across Geelong and surrounding areas for his no-nonsense service, quality workmanship and good old-fashioned customer-first attitude.
Whether you need a quick check before selling, a commercial compliance inspection or a full-blown sewer investigation, Simon has the tools, the experience, and the time to do it right.
“We treat every job like it’s our own property – no shortcuts, no guesswork and always keeping clients informed from start to finish.” — Simon
Upfront, Honest Quotes – Because No One Likes Bill Shock
At Simon’s plumbing company, we know there’s nothing worse than being hit with a plumbing repair bill you didn’t see coming. That’s why we’re committed to super transparent quoting on all CCTV drain inspections, jetting, and pipe repairs. When you book with us, you’ll receive a free, on-the-spot quote after we assess your drainage issue—before any work begins.
Every job is priced at the time based on what’s actually needed, not guesswork. There are no hidden fees, no upselling, and no pressure—just honest advice from a licenced plumber who values your time and trust. Whether you’re a homeowner or managing commercial properties, you’ll always know where you stand with Simon.
Final Word: Don’t Let Hidden Plumbing Issues Drain Your Wallet
A CCTV drain inspection is a small investment that can prevent a much bigger one. It helps you stay ahead of costly surprises, plan effective pipe repairs, and protect your home or business from hidden issues underground.
If you’re experiencing slow drains, foul smells or just want peace of mind about your pipes, call Simon for same-day service with transparent fixed pricing and zero hidden costs.
📞 Book Today – Get An Upfront Quote On CCTV Drain Inspection Costs
Call Simon at 0439 757 959 or fill in our contact form to schedule your CCTV drain inspection.
Servicing Geelong, the Surf Coast and Melbourne’s Western Suburbs.