Sewer Camera Inspection in Denver, CO

Good reasons to scope a line

• You are buying a house, especially one built before 1980
• Backups keep coming back after the line is cleared
• Several fixtures slow down or gurgle at the same time
• A plumber has recommended jetting, repair or replacement and you want to see why
• Roots, a remodel or construction work may have disturbed the line

Why it matters for Denver homes

The median Denver home was built in 1975, and about 55.5% of homes date from before 1980. Clay laterals and cast iron drains can come up in houses of that age, and from the outside there is no way to tell whether the pipe is sound. A scope is a small cost compared with discovering a broken lateral after closing on a house.

What happens during the inspection

1. The plumber finds an access point, usually a cleanout, or pulls a toilet if there is none.
2. The camera is pushed down the line while video is recorded.
3. Defects are noted with their distance from the access point.
4. A locator above ground picks up the camera head's signal to mark the spot and its depth.
5. You get the footage and an explanation of what it shows.

If the line is badly blocked, it may need to be cleared first so the camera can pass.

Common findings

Where the private line meets the city

Denver Wastewater Management, under the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure, runs the public sewer system. The line from the house to the city main is generally a private plumbing repair. If the camera shows a defect near the street or at the connection to the main, check with Wastewater Management for your address before planning work.

What affects cost

Ease of access, whether the line has to be cleared first, how long the run is, and whether you want a written report with the recording all play a part.