When purchasing a new home, many buyers focus on visible aspects like the roof, windows, or interior features. Beneath these surface parts lies a system that can make or break your homeownership experience - the sewer line. Experienced home inspectors always recommend scheduling a sewer line inspection before buying houses from reliable sewer inspection services in Colorado Springs to identify potential problems that could cost thousands to repair after closing.
The Hidden Value of Pre-Purchased Sewer Scope Inspections
A thorough examination of the property should include what happens below ground. The sewer system connects all your plumbing to the city waste system, and homeowners researching sewer line inspections often discover problems that can cost thousands to fix after purchase:
Transparent Video Evidence of Underground Conditions
High-definition waterproof cameras mounted on flexible cables travel through every inch of the sewer line during inspection, capturing video you can watch alongside the technician. This real-time video recording allows you to see exactly what's happening underground - whether it's tree roots breaking through pipe joints, separated connections from ground shifting, or debris buildups restricting flow. Visual documentation helps you make informed decisions rather than relying only on someone else's description of potential problems.
Secure Financial Protection for New Homeowners
Having a complete picture of your potential home includes understanding what's underground. Sewer issues can be some of the most expensive surprises for new homeowners, with costs ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars:
• Tree Root Invasions: Roots seek water sources and can crack or block sewer pipes.
• Pipe Offsets: Ground movement shifts pipes out of alignment, restricting flow.
• Corroded Materials: Older pipes deteriorate over time, leading to leaks and collapses.
• Bellied Sections: Sagging pipes collect waste and eventually clog completely.
• Improper Connections: Previous DIY repairs often create future problems.
Ask about the typical cost of a sewer camera inspection before deciding whether to include this valuable assessment in your home-buying process.
Peace of Mind with Clear Visual Verification
An inspection with high-definition sewer cameras doesn't just find damage - it confirms your plumbing system will actually work properly after you move in. Seeing clear, unobstructed flow through the entire pipe system from your home to the main sewer connection eliminates guesswork. Knowing your sewer lines are in good condition means no unexpected backups, persistent slow drains, or sewage hazards that could affect your family's health and property.
What To Expect During Your Sewer Scope Camera Inspection
Professional sewer inspections start with locating your home's main cleanout access point. The technician then inserts a waterproof HD camera on a flexible cable through this opening and into your sewer pipe system. As this specialized equipment moves through your pipes, you can stand right beside the technician watching the live video feed on their monitor, seeing exactly what they see:
Advanced Camera Technology in Action
The sewer scope inspection begins with locating the main cleanout access point. From there, a specialized waterproof camera attached to a flexible cable is inserted into the sewer pipe. As the camera travels through the pipeline, it captures high-definition video footage that can be viewed in real-time. This inspection method allows technicians to examine every inch of the sewer line without excavation or disruption to the property.
Real Problems Documented by Video Evidence
Professional camera inspections document numerous issues hiding in residential sewer systems, often completely unknown to home sellers. The technician operating the HD camera equipment can point out potential problems as they appear on screen:
• Tree Root Infiltration: Aggressive roots squeeze through tiny joints and expand, creating massive flow restrictions in otherwise solid pipes.
• Ground Movement Damage: Colorado's specific soil conditions cause pipes to shift, break or disconnect completely from main lines.
• Material Deterioration: Older clay, cast iron or early PVC pipes develop cracks, holes and weaknesses that worsen with time.
• Foreign Object Blockages: Children's toys, construction debris and other unexpected items create complete stoppages requiring immediate removal.
• Improper Previous Repairs: DIY fixes or unpermitted work often creates more problems than they solve, visible only through camera inspection.
Detailed Documentation You Can Actually See
After completing the inspection, you'll receive a detailed assessment of the sewer line's condition. The written report typically includes information about pipe material, estimated age, overall condition, and any issues discovered. Most importantly, you'll receive access to the actual video footage of your sewer line, allowing you to see exactly what the inspector found rather than relying solely on their interpretation
Using Sewer Inspection Results in Your Purchase Decision
Camera inspections of underground pipe systems give home buyers factual information instead of guesswork when negotiating purchases. The detailed video documentation and inspection report provide clear evidence about the property's true condition:
Addressing Pipe Problems Before Closing the Sale
After a sewer camera inspection identifies specific issues, buyers can address problems before finalizing the purchase. For blockages and root intrusions, professional hydro jetting services can blast away debris while preserving pipe integrity. Camera documentation of damaged pipe sections gives buyers precise information about repair costs, which becomes valuable during price negotiations or repair requests with the seller.
Stronger Position During Price Discussions
Camera inspections document pipe conditions that sellers may not know about themselves. Actual footage of pipe damage plus the inspection report create factual grounds for discussing repairs or price adjustments:
• Exact Cost Documentation: The repair estimate based on camera footage gives precise figures to justify lowering the purchase price.
• Repair Escrow Account: Sellers can set aside funds specifically for completing necessary sewer work after closing.
• Pre-Closing Fixes: Many sellers agree to complete repairs before signing when shown clear video evidence of issues.
• Condition Verification: Inspections confirming good sewer condition allow confident removal of inspection contingencies.
• Written Agreements: Detailed inspection reports help create precise language about required repairs in purchase contracts.
Deal-Breaker Issues Worth Walking Away From
Some sewer line problems require extensive repairs that impact the home's value and livability. Complete line replacement, especially in difficult access areas, can cost tens of thousands of dollars. Recurring tree root invasion from established landscaping might indicate ongoing maintenance challenges. The camera inspection identifies these serious conditions before you're legally committed to the property.
Trust Straight Up Sewers for Your Colorado Springs Home Sewer Inspection
At Straight Up Sewers, we're a woman and family-owned residential sewer service company serving Colorado Springs and surrounding areas. Our commitment to transparency sets us apart, especially when performing sewer scope inspections before home purchases. We provide real-time video viewing during inspections and digital copies of footage, empowering buyers with clear visual evidence of sewer conditions. Our expertise in conducting a thorough sewer line inspection before buying houses has helped countless homeowners identify issues like tree root intrusions, pipe offsets from ground movement, and other common problems affecting residential sewer systems.
Call us today to schedule your pre-purchased sewer inspections and avoid costly surprises after closing!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a sewer line inspection worth it?
A sewer line inspection is absolutely worth the investment if you buy a new home, especially for older homes. The cost of sewer inspections is minimal compared to the thousands of dollars you might spend repairing or replacing damaged sewer lines after purchase.
How do you inspect a sewer line?
Professional sewer line inspections are performed using specialized waterproof cameras attached to flexible cables that are inserted into the main cleanout access point. As the camera travels through the pipeline, it captures high-definition video footage of the interior pipe conditions, allowing both the technician and homebuyer to see tree roots, cracks, offsets, or blockages in real-time.