West Lodge Cottages
Pitsford, Northampton
Project Overview
Clearline Drainage was instructed to carry out a full CCTV drainage condition survey and septic tank inspection at West Lodge Cottages ahead of a planned residential property purchase. The aim was to give the buyer complete clarity on the state of the underground systems - identifying any structural or functional issues that could pose a financial or operational risk after acquisition. This inspection was a key part of the buyer’s due diligence, supporting a more informed negotiation and future maintenance planning.
Our Approach
Our inspection was carried out in two parts across separate visits:
A full internal CCTV drain survey was completed using push-rod camera equipment
High-pressure water jetting was performed to clear blockages and allow accurate visual inspection
A septic tank inspection was undertaken, which included:
A structural check of the tank body, lid, inlet and outlet connections
Assessment of scum, sludge and effluent levels
Review of ventilation and surrounding condition
Two clear, detailed reports were delivered to the client, complete with defect photos, mapped layout, and straightforward repair recommendations.
Outcome
The findings gave the client a full understanding of both urgent and future drainage liabilities:
The foul drainage system showed significant deterioration, including root ingress, joint displacements and pipe cracking across three separate runs
A CIPP (Cured-in-Place Pipe) lining solution was recommended to restore system integrity without excavation
The septic tank inspection revealed minor cracking, a loose lid and a damaged inlet pipe — all flagged for repair
The catchpit was functioning well as a soakaway with no signs of overflow or blockage
These findings enabled the client to budget accurately for remedial works, understand future maintenance needs, and move forward with the property purchase fully informed.
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