What is sewer coding?

This Catalyst video explains sewer coding, the standardised process used to describe and classify what is seen during a CCTV inspection of a sewer or drainage pipe, which is often an essential first step to verify an insurance claim.

Instead of relying on an engineer’s free-text description, each feature or defect is recorded using an agreed code. This allows water companies, drainage contractors and engineers to interpret survey results consistently and compare the condition of pipes across an entire network.

An insurance company will also often need a coded drainage survey report as key evidence in approving a claim, and agreeing a settlement.

In the UK, sewer coding is primarily based on the WRc Manual of Sewer Condition Classification, currently MSCC5, together with BS EN 13508-2. Water UK guidance recommends using the latest MSCC standard across the water industry.