The pipe you can’t see is the one you’ll pay for.

Why get a sewer scope?

Frankly, because it could cost a homeowner, new or old, a lot of money. From the City of Aurora brochure Homeowner’s Guide to Sewer Lines:

Homeowners are responsible for the maintenance and repair of the service line – the portion of the pipe that extends from the home into the street, alley, easement or right-of-way – into the city’s main sewer line, as well as any street and sidewalk repairs that result.

The same is true across the metro area and statewide, including the Valley Sanitation District, Ken Caryl Ranch Water & Sanitation District and Lakewood. The last thing you want is a notice from the local sanitation district giving you 25 to 45 days to fix a broken sewer tap. (The Denver Post on the city’s aging sewer system.)

What we look for

We run a camera from the house to the city sewer main (or to the septic tank) and look for:

• A broken or offset city sewer tap (connection) that the sanitation district will require you to fix
• Low spots (bellies) where waste collects
• Broken or cracked pipe
• Tree root intrusion
• Transitions between pipe materials, and pipe materials of concern
• Lines that simply need to be cleaned

Any of these can cause a backup, and a financial hardship for a family that just bought a home. Costs vary, but the repair with a municipal deadline creates the most stress and can run anywhere from $3,000 to $12,000 or more.

What it costs

Ordering a sewer scope with your home inspection is convenient and gives you information that is vital to the financial and physical health of your family. At $149 to $300, it’s small next to the cost of the problems it can find before you buy.