Professional Sewer Inspection Services in Denver Metro

waterdrop-isolatedQuick Read: Clean Cut Plumbing offers professional sewer inspection services in Denver using high‑resolution video cameras to diagnose underground line issues. Common triggers for inspections include multiple drains backing up, slow drainage, repeated main‑line blockages, older homes, and pre‑purchase evaluation. During the process, the camera reveals root intrusion, cracks, sagging (“bellies”), grease buildup, or collapse. After inspection, customers receive a video report with timestamps and recommended remedies. For minor problems, hydro‑jetting is used; for structural damage, trenchless or traditional repairs are discussed. Inspections typically cost $300–500 and take 30–45 minutes.

When something’s wrong with your sewer line, you can’t see what’s happening underground—but we can. At Clean Cut Plumbing, we use advanced video camera technology to inspect your sewer lines and give you a clear picture of exactly what’s going on beneath your property.

When you should schedule a sewer inspection?

You don’t need to wait for a backup to get your sewer line inspected. Here’s when we recommend having us take a look:

  • Multiple drains backing up at once – If your toilet gurgles when you run the washing machine, or water backs up in your shower when you flush, that’s your main line talking to you. Single drain clogs are usually simple fixes, but when everything’s acting up simultaneously, it’s time for a camera inspection.
  • Before buying a home – This is the smartest $300-400 you’ll spend during a home purchase. We’ve found collapsed sewer lines in homes that passed general inspections, saving buyers from inheriting a $15,000+ repair bill. Pre-purchase sewer inspections have become standard practice for informed home buyers, especially for older homes in Denver. Properties built before 1985 often have clay or cast iron pipes that may be failing.
  • Slow drains throughout the house – When every drain seems sluggish, you might have a partial blockage or root intrusion that’s gradually getting worse. Catching it early means easier and cheaper solutions.
  • Older properties (50+ years) – Sewer pipes weren’t built to last forever. If your home was built before 1975 and you’ve never had the line inspected, you’re gambling. Denver’s clay soils and freeze-thaw cycles are particularly tough on older pipe materials.
  • After repeated mainline backups – If we’ve cleared your main line more than once in a year, there’s an underlying reason. The camera tells us whether it’s roots, a belly in the line, or deteriorating pipe that needs replacement.

What happens during a sewer camera inspection

We insert a high-resolution waterproof camera through your cleanout or drain line and feed it through your entire sewer system. The camera transmits real-time video back to our monitor, letting us see cracks, root intrusion, bellied pipes, blockages, or any other issues that might be causing problems. The whole process typically takes 30-45 minutes, and you’ll see what we’re seeing on the screen.

Most homeowners are surprised by what’s actually happening down there. Tree roots are the main culprit we find in Denver—those cottonwoods and willows don’t care that your sewer line is in the way. According to research from the US Forest Service, roots cause more than 50% of all sewer blockages nationwide, and our experience in the Denver metro matches that statistic. We also regularly find shifted pipe sections from soil settlement, grease buildup that’s narrowed the pipe diameter, or older clay pipes that have simply deteriorated over time.

What we find and what it means for you

  • Root intrusion – Tree roots follow moisture, and your sewer line is basically an underground river to them. Roots enter through small cracks or joints and grow into thick mats that catch paper and waste. We can often clear roots with our hydro-jetting equipment, but if they’re too extensive, you might need trenchless pipe lining or replacement.
  • Bellied or sagging sections – When soil settles unevenly, parts of your pipe can sag and create a low spot where waste collects instead of flowing freely. Small bellies might not need immediate repair, but significant ones will require correction.
  • Cracks and breaks – Whether from ground movement, root pressure, or age, cracked pipes leak sewage into your soil and let dirt wash into your line. These need repair, but modern trenchless options often mean we don’t have to excavate your entire yard.
  • Grease and scale buildup – Years of cooking grease, soap residue, and mineral deposits can narrow your pipe’s diameter. Professional hydro-jetting removes these blockages completely—it’s like power washing the inside of your sewer line.
  • Collapsed sections – The worst-case scenario, but thankfully not that common in our area. Severely deteriorated pipes can collapse entirely, requiring excavation and replacement of that section.

Honest answers to common questions

  • How much does a sewer camera inspection cost? – Most residential inspections run $300-500 depending on the length and accessibility of your line. If we’re already out for a backup and need to inspect as part of diagnosing the problem, we often include it in the service call.
  • Can you inspect the line if I don’t have a cleanout? – Yes, we can access through most drains, though it’s more time-consuming. If you don’t have a cleanout, we’ll probably recommend installing one—it makes future service much easier and costs around $400-600.
  • Will the camera damage my pipes? – No, the camera is specifically designed for this work. It’s much gentler than mechanical snakes and gives us better information.
  • Do I need to be home? – Yes, we need access to your plumbing system and cleanout, and we want you to see what we’re finding.
  • How often should I have my sewer line inspected? – For most homes, there’s no need for regular inspections unless you’re having recurring problems. The exceptions are older homes (every 3-5 years isn’t a bad idea) and properties with large trees near the sewer line.

How we handle what we find

After the inspection, Vern or Austin will show you the footage and explain exactly what they saw. You’ll get a written report with timestamps of any problem areas and our recommendations. We’re not here to upsell you—if your line looks good, we’ll tell you so. If there’s an issue, we’ll explain your options with honest pricing for each approach.

For minor root intrusion or grease buildup, hydro-jetting usually solves the problem completely. Our high-pressure water system scours the pipe clean without chemicals or harsh mechanical cutting that can damage older pipes.

When we find structural damage, we discuss both traditional excavation and trenchless repair options. Trenchless pipe lining or pipe bursting costs more upfront but saves your landscaping, driveway, or deck from destruction. In many Denver properties, the savings on restoration work makes trenchless the smarter choice.

Why camera inspections save you money

Plumbing used to involve a lot of guessing and digging. A camera inspection removes the guesswork entirely. Instead of excavating multiple spots trying to find the problem, we know exactly where to dig (if digging is even necessary). That precision saves you time and money.

Pre-purchase inspections are especially valuable. We’ve inspected sewer lines for hundreds of home buyers in the Denver metro, and roughly 1 in 5 older homes have significant issues that weren’t obvious during the standard home inspection. Finding out before you close gives you negotiating power or lets you walk away from a bad situation.

What to expect from Clean Cut Plumbing

We’ve been inspecting and repairing sewer lines in the Denver area for years, and we’re pretty straightforward about the process. When you call, we’ll schedule a time that works for you—usually within a couple days for non-emergency inspections.

Vern or Austin will locate your cleanout (or use a drain if you don’t have one), explain what they’re going to do, and run the camera through your line. You’re welcome to watch the monitor with us—most customers want to see what’s happening. The inspection itself takes less than an hour.

You’ll get a detailed report with video footage you can keep for your records. If we find problems, we’ll discuss solutions right there, but you’re never pressured to make immediate decisions. Take time to think about your options or get other opinions if you want—the inspection stands on its own.

Complete sewer line services

Beyond inspections, we handle everything related to your sewer system:

  • Sewer line cleaning – If the inspection reveals blockages but no structural damage, hydro-jetting clears roots, grease, and scale completely. It’s preventive maintenance that extends your pipe’s life.
  • Sewer line repair and replacement – When we find damage, we handle both traditional excavation and trenchless repairs. Our team has extensive experience with Denver’s soil conditions and permitting requirements.
  • Outdoor plumbing winterization – While we’re looking at your sewer system, we can also check your hose bibs, sprinkler system connections, and exterior drains to make sure everything’s ready for Denver’s freeze-thaw cycles.
  • Sump pump services – For homes with basements, a functioning sump pump prevents water damage during spring snowmelt and summer storms. We install, repair, and maintain sump pump systems with battery backup options.

Clean Cut Plumbing’s master plumbers provide fast, honest service —from quick repairs to energy-efficient tankless installations.

Available 5 AM-10 PM daily. Call (720) 990-0677 or visit our contact page now.

Sewer Inspections FAQ

Outdoor plumbing system repair

Q: What outdoor plumbing do you service?
A: Hose bibs, sprinkler systems, outdoor showers, pool plumbing, and exterior drainage systems.
Q: When should I winterize outdoor plumbing?
A: Before the first freeze—typically late fall in most climates.

Sewer repair

Q: How do you know if sewer line damage requires repair?
A: We use video camera inspections to identify cracks, root intrusion, or collapsed
sections.
Q: Do you offer trenchless sewer repair?
A: Yes, we offer trenchless options when conditions allow, minimizing yard disruption.

Sump pump installation

Q: How do I know if I need a sump pump?
A: If you have a basement that floods or shows moisture issues, a sump pump prevents water damage.
Q: Do you install battery backup systems?
A: Yes, we recommend and install battery backup systems for power outage protection.

Sump pump repair

Q: What are signs my sump pump needs repair?
A: Strange noises, pump runs constantly, doesn’t turn on, or visible rust.
Q: How often should sump pumps be serviced?
A: Annual maintenance checks help ensure reliable operation.

Sewer cleaning

Q: How do you know if it’s a sewer line issue vs. a regular clog?
A: Multiple drains backing up simultaneously usually indicates a main sewer line problem.
Q: Do you offer camera inspections?
A: Yes, we use video cameras to inspect sewer lines and identify blockages or damage.

Ready to see what’s happening in your sewer line?

Call Clean Cut Plumbing to schedule your camera inspection. We serve the entire Denver metro area and typically schedule non-emergency inspections within 48 hours.