Scope run, usually during the home inspection
Sewer Scope Inspection in the Denver Metro
A camera run of the sewer lateral from the house to the city main. Essential on any home built before 1980, and cheap insurance on everything else.
Camera reel at the cleanout · recorded run to the main
What it is, and why it matters here
The most expensive pipe in the house is the one nobody looks at.
The sewer lateral runs from your foundation to the street and it is your responsibility, not the city's. Under older Denver, Englewood, Littleton and Lakewood streets it is clay or Orangeburg, laid in sections that roots find, shift and crack. A full replacement commonly runs five figures.
A scope sends a camera the whole length and records it. You see the pipe material, every joint, every root, every offset, and exactly where the problem is measured from the cleanout.
Highest risk
Pre-1980
Clay and Orangeburg laterals. Newer PVC lines fail less but still shift on expansive soil.
Time on site
30–45min
Added to the inspection or done standalone.
Repair range
$5–20k
Typical Denver metro lateral replacement, depending on depth and length. The scope costs a small fraction.
Recorded video
You get the full video with distance markers, not just a summary. Plumbers can quote from it without a second scope.
How the scope works
Cleanout to main, recorded, measured.
A self-leveling camera head on a 200-foot reel, with a locator to mark the exact spot of any defect in the yard.
Inspection day
Within 48 hours
Video and findings included in the report
If needed
Locate marked in the yard for plumber quotes
- 1 Find the access
Cleanout, roof vent or pulled toilet. Most metro homes have an exterior or basement cleanout.
- 2 Camera run to the main
Full length, recorded, with on-screen distance from the access point.
- 3 Identify material and defects
Clay, Orangeburg, cast iron or PVC. Roots, offsets, bellies, cracks, breaks and grease.
- 4 Locate and report
Above-ground locate on anything significant, so a plumber can quote spot repair versus full replacement.
If the scope finds a problem
Sewer findings are the most negotiated item in Denver deals.
Because the cost is high and the evidence is on video, sellers almost always address it. The report gives your agent what the request needs.
1
Roots or minor offsets
Hydro-jetting or a spot repair. Often a few hundred to a couple thousand dollars.
2
Bellies, breaks or Orangeburg
Section replacement or full lateral replacement. Get two quotes from the video.
3
Negotiate before closing
Repair by seller, credit at closing, or price reduction. The video makes the conversation short.
Sewer scope questions
The house is from 2005. Do I need one?
Lower risk, but expansive soil shifts newer PVC too, and builder debris in the line is common. Most agents still recommend it.
What is Orangeburg?
A tar-impregnated fiber pipe used through the early 1970s. It deforms and collapses with age. If the scope finds it, plan to replace it.
Do I need the seller's permission?
It is part of the inspection you are entitled to under the contract. Justin coordinates access.
What if there is no cleanout?
Access through a roof vent or by pulling a toilet. Justin will discuss the option before proceeding.
Do I get the video?
Yes, the full recording with distance markers, downloadable from the report.
Can you also scope a septic property?
Yes, from house to tank. Full septic inspections are referred to a licensed septic contractor.
Buying a home with an older sewer line? Scope it.
Add it to your inspection or book it standalone.
Inspections performed by Justin Kast, A+ Home Inspections, LLC.