How Camera Inspections Detect Pitch Fibre Pipe Issues

Cost Effective Solution

Pitch Fibre Pipes were once considered a modern and cost-effective solution for drainage systems, especially in UK homes built from the 1950s through to the late 1970s. At the time, they offered a cheaper and more flexible alternative to traditional clay drainage, and builders adopted them widely because they were easy to install and lightweight to handle. However, the material was never designed to remain structurally sound for the several decades we now expect from household drainage systems.

As these pipes age, they begin to deteriorate in ways that are not visible above ground, and many homeowners don’t realise anything is wrong until more serious symptoms emerge. Blocked drains, unusual smells, slow-running water or recurring issues may seem minor, but they often point to deeper structural deterioration. This is why modern camera inspections, also known as CCTV drain surveys, have become one of the most reliable ways to uncover hidden issues in pitch fibre pipes before they turn into major disruptions.

What Are Pitch Fibre Pipes and Why Do They Deteriorate?

Pitch fibre pipes are made from a combination of wood cellulose fibres and coal tar pitch, creating a material that was initially strong enough to withstand normal water flow but not designed for long-term pressure from soil weight, moisture exposure and ground movement. Over time, the pipe walls begin to soften, especially in areas where the ground is particularly wet or unstable.

As the material becomes more vulnerable, it can start to deform, blister internally or break down at a structural level. Because the process is gradual, the deterioration often remains hidden for years, and homeowners are left unaware until a blockage becomes persistent or the drainage system shows clear signs of stress. What makes the situation more challenging is that the early stages of damage rarely present any obvious external clues. The pipe’s weaknesses exist underground and out of sight, making it difficult to assess the true condition without specialised equipment.

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The Hidden Problems Found Inside Ageing Pitch Fibre Pipes

Inside ageing pitch fibre systems, a variety of issues may be developing at the same time, and these problems are rarely visible from above ground. One frequent issue is delamination, which occurs when the internal layers of the pipe begin to peel apart. As these layers separate, the pipe loses strength and its ability to maintain a smooth internal surface, which makes wastewater flow less efficiently. Blistering is another common problem and happens when moisture becomes trapped within the pipe walls, causing swelling and bulges that protrude into the wastewater channel. These blisters reduce the internal diameter of the pipe and make it much easier for debris to become stuck.

Deformation is particularly problematic in older pitch fibre systems. Since the material softens as it ages, it gradually loses the ability to withstand the pressure of the surrounding soil. This can cause certain sections of the pipe to compress into an oval shape, creating natural choke points that disrupt water flow. As the pipe ages further, it can become brittle, especially where it has been repeatedly exposed to moisture or ground movement. Brittle pipe walls are more likely to crack, split or fracture under pressure. Tree root ingress also becomes a major threat as small openings in weakened pipes allow roots to grow inside. Once roots penetrate the pipe, they expand rapidly and cause blockages, structural damage and further deformation. In severe cases, these combined issues cause parts of the pipe to partially collapse, resulting in major drainage disruptions that cannot be ignored.

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How CCTV Drain Camera Inspections Work

This is where CCTV drain camera inspections become essential for diagnosing pitch fibre pipe problems accurately and without disruption. A camera inspection involves feeding a small, high-definition camera into the drainage system through a suitable access point such as a drain chamber or rodding eye. The camera is connected to a flexible rod that allows it to travel deep into the pipe, navigating bends, joints and uneven areas while capturing clear, real-time footage. The specialist above ground views this footage on a monitor, allowing them to see exactly what is happening inside the pipe without any excavation.

The camera includes a powerful lighting system that illuminates the pipe interior, making it possible to identify structural weaknesses, early deterioration, debris build-ups and visible signs of damage. Because the camera records the inspection, the footage can be reviewed carefully afterwards, helping specialists determine whether the pipe can be repaired or whether it requires a full replacement. This method is incredibly precise and removes the need for guesswork. Instead of relying on surface symptoms like blockages or slow drainage, a CCTV survey shows the exact location and severity of any internal issues, making it the most effective investigative tool for ageing pitch fibre systems.

What Camera Inspections Can Reveal About Pitch Fibre Pipes

CCTV drain camera inspections reveal a level of detail that would otherwise remain hidden. When the camera moves through the drainage system, it highlights areas where the pipe walls have begun to delaminate, showing the peeling layers and rough internal surfaces that disrupt flow. Blistering becomes immediately obvious on camera as rounded bulges or swollen patches along the walls of the pipe. Deformation is equally easy to detect, with clear visual evidence showing where the pipe has lost its round shape and begun to compress due to soil pressure.

Camera inspections also reveal fine cracks, fractures and brittle areas that could eventually break or collapse. Root ingress is another issue that CCTV footage captures clearly, showing where roots have entered and how extensively they have spread. Soft spots, where the pipe has weakened and begun to sag, can also be detected, along with areas where water pools rather than flows smoothly. In more advanced cases, the camera may reveal sections where the pipe has partially collapsed, allowing specialists to assess how severe the damage is and what the best repair approach might be. All of this visual evidence helps determine whether drain relining is suitable or whether pitch fibre replacement is required for long-term reliability.

Why UK Homeowners Benefit from CCTV Drain Surveys

For homeowners across the UK, CCTV drain inspections offer a straightforward, reliable and cost-effective way to understand the true condition of their pitch fibre pipes. Because these pipes deteriorate slowly and silently, many people remain unaware of developing issues until they become serious. A camera inspection provides clarity and reassurance, allowing homeowners to identify problems early, plan appropriate repairs and avoid more extensive damage in the future. The footage gives a detailed and honest view of the drainage system, helping homeowners make informed decisions without the need for excavation or unnecessary work.

Many people find that a camera inspection uncovers issues they never suspected, such as early-stage deterioration or subtle deformations that would eventually lead to major problems. By identifying these issues early, repairs like drain relining can be carried out before a full collapse occurs, saving both time and money. Whether you are experiencing recurring blockages, slow drainage or simply want peace of mind about the condition of your underground pipes, a CCTV survey is one of the most reliable ways to ensure your drainage system remains safe, functional and future-proof.

Frequently Asked Questions

Many homeowners wonder how long a CCTV drain survey takes, and in most cases the process is quicker than expected. A standard inspection usually takes around one to two hours, depending on the layout and length of the drainage system. Another common question is whether the survey requires digging, and the answer is no. CCTV inspections are completely non-invasive and carried out entirely from surface-level access points, meaning your garden, driveway or landscaping remains untouched.

Homeowners also ask whether a camera inspection can detect early-stage cracks or very subtle deterioration. Modern high-definition cameras offer exceptional clarity, allowing even small imperfections in the pipe walls to be detected before they develop into more serious problems. This early detection is one of the main reasons why CCTV surveys are so valuable for properties with pitch fibre drainage systems.

How Can Camera Inspections Detect Hidden Issues in Pitch Fibre Pipes?