Sewer Camera Inspection in Boulder, CO

Sewer Camera Inspection in Boulder

A sewer camera inspection is the starting point for almost every Boulder sewer job. A waterproof camera on a push cable travels through the lateral and records what it sees, and a locator can mark the depth and route from the surface. With so many Boulder homes built in the 1950s through the 1970s, buyers often scope the line before closing.

What a good sewer scope report includes

A useful Boulder scope gives you more than a pass or fail. The video should show the footage counter on screen from the house to the public main, with each problem called out by distance, such as roots at 22 feet or an offset joint at 41 feet. It should name the pipe materials found, because many mid-century lines change from cast iron near the house to clay or Orangeburg farther out. If damage is found, a surface locate with depth lets the next contractor price an access pit or dig accurately.

Common findings in mid-century Boulder lines

Clay laterals from the 1950s through the 1970s usually show roots at the joints, especially under mature trees, and sometimes cracked or offset sections. Orangeburg, a tar-soaked fiber pipe used in some homes of that era, tends to flatten into an oval or blister over time, which a camera shows clearly. Cast iron under the house often has scale buildup that narrows the pipe. A small puddle in one spot can be minor, but a long belly that submerges the camera lens usually points to a dig repair.

Scoping before you buy in Boulder

Book the scope early in your inspection period so there is time for a repair quote before your inspection objection deadline. Ask the seller whether the line has been cleaned, lined or repaired before and for any past camera videos, since an older video shows how fast roots come back. Check which sewer provider serves the address, because Boulder is split between the City utility and about 20 districts that each set their own repair rules. If the scope shows damage, the footage plus a written quote is usually what a seller will want to see before agreeing to a repair or credit.

Signs you may need this

• You are buying a home built before the mid-1980s
• Drains gurgle or slow down across the house
• Backups keep returning after cleaning
• You need footage to compare repair quotes
• Large trees grow near the sewer line route

How it usually works

1. 1

   Access

   The camera goes in through a cleanout, a floor drain or a pulled toilet.

2. 2

   Record the run

   The pro records video from the house to the main and notes footage counts at each problem.

3. 3

   Locate

   A transmitter on the camera head lets the pro mark depth and location on the surface.

4. 4

   Review

   You get the footage and a plain explanation of what was found and what options exist.

What affects the price

Typical range: $200 - $450 typical. Your exact price is set after an on-site look.

Questions homeowners ask

Where we can help with this