Sewer Camera Inspection in Colorado Springs: Everything You Need to Know
If something is wrong with your sewer line, the only way to know for sure is to look inside it. That is exactly what a sewer camera inspection does – a small camera goes into the pipe and transmits live video so you can see exactly what is going on.
What Is a Sewer Camera Inspection?
A sewer camera inspection involves inserting a flexible, waterproof camera on a long cable into your sewer line through an access point – usually a cleanout cap or through a toilet. The camera transmits real-time video that the technician watches on a monitor. Most systems also record the footage so you have a record of what was found.
What Does a Sewer Camera Inspection Find?
Tree Root Intrusion
Roots enter sewer pipes through cracks and joint gaps. On camera, they look like a mass of hair-like strands or woody growth reaching into the pipe. Root intrusion is one of the most common findings – and one of the most important to catch early.
Cracks and Fractures
The camera shows exactly where the pipe wall has cracked, separated, or broken. The location and severity of the crack determines what type of repair is needed.
Grease and Debris Buildup
You can see buildup coating the pipe walls – narrowing the channel available for waste to flow through. This is especially common in kitchen drain lines.
Pipe Bellies or Sags
A belly is a low spot in the pipe run where the ground has settled. Sewage and debris collect there rather than flowing through.
Collapsed Sections
In serious cases, part of the pipe has caved in. The camera shows the obstruction and helps determine whether repair or replacement is needed.
When Should You Get a Sewer Camera Inspection?
Before Buying a Home
Sewer problems are not visible in a standard home inspection. A camera reveals the condition of the line before you close. The American Society of Home Inspectors recommends sewer scope inspections as part of any thorough pre-purchase due diligence, especially for older homes.
When You Have Recurring Backups or Slow Drains
If the same problem keeps coming back, there is a reason. A camera shows exactly what it is so you can fix the cause, not just the symptom.
Before Any Major Sewer Repair
Before hydro jetting or pipe lining, a camera inspection confirms the pipe condition and helps determine the right approach.
Periodically for Older Homes
If your home was built before 1980, your sewer line is likely clay or cast iron. A periodic camera inspection every few years lets you catch problems before they become emergencies.
How a Sewer Camera Inspection Works
- The technician locates the cleanout access point.
- The camera cable is inserted into the cleanout.
- The camera is pushed through the line while the technician monitors live video.
- Findings are noted by location (distance from the access point).
- The footage is reviewed and the technician explains what was found.
- You receive a recommendation based on what the camera showed.
Most inspections are completed in 30 to 60 minutes for a standard residential sewer line.
What Happens After the Inspection?
- Light grease or debris buildup: hydro jetting
- Cracked or damaged pipe: trenchless pipe lining
- Root intrusion: hydro jetting to clear roots and lining to seal the entry point
- Collapsed pipe: pipe bursting or excavation
- Clean line: no action needed, peace of mind
Sewer Camera Inspection for Colorado Springs Homes
Many Colorado Springs neighborhoods were built between 1950 and 1980, which means clay or cast iron pipes now reaching end of life. The Front Range has clay soil that expands and contracts with moisture, putting stress on pipe joints. Large trees – cottonwoods, maples, elms – are common and their roots are aggressive.
Colorado Springs Utilities manages the main sewer infrastructure, but the lateral line from your house to the main is your responsibility as a homeowner. A camera inspection tells you exactly where your lateral stands.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a sewer camera inspection damage the pipe?
No. The camera is flexible and small – it is designed to navigate through existing pipes without causing any damage.
How long does a sewer camera inspection take?
Most residential inspections are done in 30 to 60 minutes.
What if the inspection finds nothing wrong?
That is a good outcome. You have a record that the line was in good condition as of that date, which is useful for insurance purposes and future troubleshooting.
Ready to see what is inside your sewer line? Schedule a sewer camera inspection in Colorado Springs with Alphalete Trenchless Pipelining. Call (720) 807-3224.
