Colorado · typical $150–$400
Sewer camera inspection
A sewer camera inspection, often called a sewer scope, sends a waterproof camera down the main line and records what it sees: roots, cracks, sags where water pools, offset joints and old repairs. In Colorado it's a standard step when buying an older home, and the fastest way to understand a line that keeps clogging.
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Sounds like this?
- Buying a home built before about 1980
- A main line that has backed up more than once
- Roots or bits of clay pipe came out on a drain cable
- A plumber has recommended jetting or replacement
- A sinkhole or soggy strip of lawn over the sewer path
What the camera finds
| Finding | What it means | Typical next step |
|---|---|---|
| Fine roots at joints | Roots entering through clay pipe joints | Root cutting or jetting; watch yearly |
| Heavy roots, pipe barely visible | Advanced intrusion | Cutting, then repair or lining |
| Belly (sag) | A low spot where water and waste sit | Monitor if minor; repair if solids collect |
| Offset or separated joint | Sections shifted, often from soil movement | Spot repair or lining |
| Crack or broken section | Structural failure | Repair before jetting |
| Grease or scale buildup | Narrowed pipe | Hydro jetting |
Scoping before you buy
A standard home inspection doesn't look inside the sewer line, and in Colorado the buyer usually inherits responsibility for the lateral all the way to the city main. Replacing a broken clay lateral can run into five figures, so many buyers order a scope during the inspection period and use the video in negotiations. Ask for the recording and a short written summary with distances from the cleanout.
How the inspection works
- 01
Access
The camera goes in through the main cleanout, or a toilet is pulled if there isn't one.
- 02
Record the run
The camera is pushed toward the city main while the screen shows distance. Problem spots are noted with footage.
- 03
Locate if needed
A transmitter in the camera head lets the plumber mark the exact spot and depth on the surface, so any repair digs once.
- 04
Get the video
You should receive the recording. It's useful for insurance, home sales and getting second opinions.
Common questions
How much is a sewer scope in Colorado?+
Typically $150 to $400 for a recorded inspection, more if the plumber also locates and marks the line.
Should I get a sewer scope when buying a house?+
For homes built before about 1980, or with large trees in the yard, it's widely recommended in Colorado. It's inexpensive compared with what a broken lateral costs.
Can a camera inspection be done if the line is clogged?+
The camera can't see through a full blockage. The line is usually cleared first, then scoped.
Do I get a copy of the video?+
You should. Ask for the recording and a summary of findings with distances before the plumber leaves.