CLEARMASTERS
drain cameras
with footage
on request
call-outs
in drainage
The basics
What is drain tracing?
Drain tracing finds the route of your underground drains without digging. We push a small transmitter, called a sonde, through the drain and follow its signal above ground with a locator, marking the route and depth as we go.
Tracing is often combined with a CCTV drainage survey, so you get the route and the condition of the pipes in one visit. It’s also the first step when we put in new manholes or inspection chambers.
We do this work across Surrey, West Sussex, East Sussex, Kent, Hampshire and London, with tankers and engineers in each area most days.
Combined with a CCTV survey, it gives you an accurate plan of your drains: where they run, how deep they are, where the manholes are and where it all connects to the sewer.
Watch it happen
How drain tracing works
The engineer follows the sonde’s signal from above, marking the route and depth, until the whole drain is on the plan.
When you need it
When should you have your drains traced?
Extensions and building work
Know where the drains are before you plan foundations. Building over or near some drains needs permission.
Buying a property
Find out where the drains go, and who they serve.
Before repairs
Dig in the right place first time.
Misconnections
Check foul and surface water are going where they should.
Building near drains
Building over or near a drain?
On the day
What’s involved
Find the access points
We locate manholes, inspection chambers and rodding eyes.
Trace the route
We follow the sonde above ground, marking the route and depth.
Camera survey
Optionally, a CCTV survey of the same runs to check their condition.
Produce the plan
A clear drainage plan and report, ready for your builder or architect.
Why Clearmasters
Why choose us for drain mapping?
We trace drains for homeowners, builders and architects across the South East, and because we repair and install drains too, we know what matters on the plan.
Ask us a questionClear evidence
HD footage, stills and a plan, so you can see exactly what we saw.
Plain-English reports
No jargon. We tell you what’s wrong, how serious it is and what we’d do about it.
We can fix it too
Lining, excavation and repairs by the same team, so the survey leads straight to a solution.
Quick turnaround
Most domestic jobs done in a few hours, with the report usually within 48 hours.
What our customers say
Checkatrade
From 134 reviews · Read them
From 63 reviews · Read them
Scores as of September 2026
Questions answered
Drain tracing FAQs
What is drain tracing?
Using a small transmitter, called a sonde, and a locator to find the route and depth of an underground drain from above, without digging.
Do I need drain mapping for building work?
It’s strongly recommended. Knowing where the drains are avoids damaging them and helps you find out early whether you need the water company’s agreement to build near a public sewer.
How long does it take?
Most domestic tracing and mapping jobs take a few hours. Reports are usually with you within 48 hours.
Can you combine mapping with a CCTV survey?
Yes, and it’s the best way to do it: you get the route, the depth and the condition of the drains in one visit.
Do you work on commercial sites?
Yes. We trace and map drains for homes, commercial premises and developments.
Got a different question? Call 03333 233566 or send us a message.
Related services
Fully accredited & compliant
We're independently vetted and certified so you can trust who you're letting onto your site.
SafeContractor
Health & safety pre-qualification accreditation, verifying our processes meet recognised safety standards.
RISQS
Railway Industry Supplier Qualification Scheme — approved to work safely within the rail industry supply chain.
Achilles UVDB
Utilities Vetting Database membership, confirming we meet the utilities sector's supply chain standards.
Trading Standards Approved
Vetted and approved under the local authority's trusted trader scheme for honesty and fair dealing.
NADC Member
Members of the National Association of Drainage Contractors, the UK trade body for the drainage industry.
Registered Waste Carrier
Registered with the Environment Agency, so your waste is handled and disposed of fully within the law.