When it comes to buying a home in Ireland, most buyers focus on the visible aspects — the layout, the kitchen, the garden. But one of the most important (and overlooked) areas of a property lies underground: the drainage system.

 

At iSurv, our surveyors regularly uncover issues with cracked, blocked, or poorly installed drains. Left unchecked, drainage problems can cause damp, structural damage, and even health risks. That’s why a drainage inspection in Ireland is a key part of any pre-purchase survey.

Why drainage matters

A home’s drainage system is designed to remove waste and surface water safely away from the property. If it fails, the consequences can be serious:

• Damp and mould caused by water backing up.
• Structural movement where soil is eroded by leaking drains.
• Health hazards from sewage leaks.
• Flooding during heavy rain.

 

Even relatively new homes can have drainage defects, particularly where pipes were laid incorrectly or where tree roots have caused blockages.

Common drainage problems found by surveyors

1. Cracked or collapsed pipes

Clay or concrete pipes in older homes often deteriorate with age. Collapsed sections restrict flow, leading to blockages and leaks.

2. Poor installation

In some cases, pipes are incorrectly laid — with insufficient gradient or poor joints — causing long-term problems.

3. Blocked drains

Grease, debris, or tree roots can obstruct pipes, leading to slow drainage and bad odours.

4. Surface water issues

Driveways, patios, and gardens without proper drainage often channel water back towards the property, leading to damp foundations or internal flooding.

5. Incorrect connections

Surveyors sometimes find foul water pipes wrongly connected to surface drains, a costly error that can lead to pollution and legal issues.

Real findings from iSurv inspections

In recent months, our surveyors have identified:

• Cracked drainage pipes leaking into the ground, contributing to internal damp.
• Blocked gullies causing surface water to pool against external walls.
• Incorrectly installed drains at a new build, leading to recurring flooding.

 

Each of these issues would have gone unnoticed without a professional survey, leaving buyers to face expensive repair bills later.

How inspections are carried out

A drainage inspection is part of a pre-purchase survey. Surveyors will:

• Look for signs of damp, staining, or odours.
• Check manholes, gullies, and inspection chambers.
• Identify collapsed or cracked sections.
• Recommend a CCTV drain survey where serious issues are suspected.

 

These inspections are non-invasive but provide crucial insights into a property’s condition.

The cost of ignoring drainage

Drainage repairs can be surprisingly expensive. Replacing sections of collapsed pipe or re-laying incorrectly installed systems can cost thousands. In severe cases, poor drainage contributes to structural movement — one of the most serious defects a home can suffer.

 

By contrast, a survey highlights problems early, giving buyers the chance to renegotiate or require repairs before purchase.

How iSurv can help

At iSurv, our experienced property surveyors in Ireland understand the importance of a pre-purchase survey. We check systems carefully, report on defects, and recommend further investigations where needed. Our goal is to give you clarity, and protect you from unexpected repair costs.

 

Drainage is rarely the first thing buyers think about when viewing a home. But underground problems can quickly lead to expensive and disruptive repairs.

 

A professional drainage inspection in Ireland, carried out as part of your pre-purchase survey, ensures you know exactly what you’re buying — above ground and below it.