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⭐ 85+ Five-Star Reviews | Only $120 | Sewer Repairs Cost $5,000 - $25,000+

Sewer Scope Inspection in Northern Colorado

Northern Colorado's most trusted sewer scope inspection. HD video camera reveals tree roots, cracks, bellies, and Orangeburg pipe before you buy. Serving Loveland, Fort Collins, Greeley, Windsor, Berthoud & Estes Park.

Drew soldering copper plumbing pipes
InterNACHI Certified Plumbing Inspector
Real Plumbing Experience
InterNACHI Certified Plumbing Inspector

Drew doesn't just inspect plumbing - he's worked on it. With hands-on experience in copper soldering, pipe fitting, and plumbing repairs, he knows exactly what to look for during your sewer scope inspection.

This real-world expertise means he can explain not just what he finds, but what it will take to fix it and what it might cost.

What We Find in Sewer Lines

Tree Root Intrusion

Roots seek out sewer lines for water and nutrients, entering through tiny cracks.

Cracks & Breaks

Age, ground shifting, and freeze/thaw cycles cause cracks that leak sewage.

Bellies & Sags

Low spots where waste collects, causing slow drains and eventual blockages.

Offset Joints

Misaligned pipe sections that catch debris and can eventually separate.

Orangeburg Pipe

Tar paper pipe from 1950s-70s that deteriorates and collapses.

Blockages

Grease buildup, debris, and foreign objects that restrict flow.

When Do You Need a Sewer Scope?

Buying a Home Over 20 Years Old

Older homes have clay, cast iron, or Orangeburg pipes that deteriorate. A sewer scope is essential insurance.

Large Trees Near the Sewer Line

Trees within 25 feet of your sewer line are prime candidates for root intrusion.

History of Slow Drains or Backups

If the sellers mention any drain issues, a sewer scope will reveal if there's a bigger problem.

Peace of Mind on Any Purchase

For $120-200, a sewer scope is cheap insurance against a $10,000+ surprise after closing.

Meet Drew McClellan

Your Northern Colorado sewer scope specialist. With 85+ five-star reviews, I provide thorough HD video inspections that reveal exactly what's happening inside your sewer line.

Unlike plumbing companies that may push unnecessary repairs, I'm an independent inspector focused solely on giving you accurate information to make informed decisions.

  • InterNACHI Certified Professional Inspector
  • HD Video Recording Included
  • Same-Day Digital Report
  • Only $120 (Save When Bundled)
  • 85+ Five-Star Google Reviews

What Northern Colorado Homebuyers Say

★★★★★ 5.0 Rating • 85+ Google Reviews

Trusted by homebuyers across Larimer and Weld counties for thorough, honest sewer scope inspections.

★★★★★

"Drew did a very thorough inspection and saved me from buying a money pit. His detailed report helped me negotiate a better deal."

MS
Michael Sorenson
Google Review
★★★★★

"Awesome inspector. We purchased a home sight unseen and relied heavily on Drew's inspection. He was very thorough and let us know everything we needed to before closing."

TJ
TJ Adams
Google Review
★★★★★

"Drew's inspection was the most thorough home inspection I have ever had done! He takes his time and explains everything. Highly recommend the sewer scope add-on."

MB
Mary Beth Brinn
Google Review
Read All 85+ Reviews on Google →

Sewer Scope Inspection Pricing

$120
HD video recording & same-day report included

Our sewer scope inspection is one of the best investments you can make during a home purchase. For just $120, you get:

  • HD Video Inspection - Crystal clear footage of your entire sewer line
  • Video Recording - Digital copy of the inspection for your records
  • Same-Day Report - Detailed findings with screenshots and recommendations
  • Expert Analysis - Clear explanation of any issues found

Bundle & Save: Add a sewer scope to your home inspection for convenience. One appointment, one inspector, complete peace of mind.

Northern Colorado Pipe Types & Common Issues

Different neighborhoods in Northern Colorado have different pipe materials based on when they were built. Understanding your home's pipe type helps predict potential problems.

Clay Pipe (Pre-1970s)

Common in older neighborhoods of Loveland, Fort Collins, and Greeley. Clay pipes are extremely susceptible to tree root intrusion through the joints. The roots seek out water and nutrients, eventually blocking the line entirely.

Orangeburg Pipe (1945-1972)

Made from compressed tar paper, Orangeburg was popular post-WWII due to metal shortages. These pipes deteriorate and deform over time, eventually collapsing. If your home has Orangeburg, replacement is typically recommended.

Cast Iron Pipe (1950s-1980s)

Common in mid-century homes. Cast iron corrodes from the inside out, developing scale buildup and eventually holes. We often find significant deterioration in homes 40+ years old.

PVC/ABS Pipe (1980s-Present)

Modern plastic pipes rarely have material failures, but can still develop issues from ground shifting, improper installation, or root intrusion at joints.

Important: Sewer line replacement costs $5,000-$25,000+ depending on length, depth, and whether the line runs under a driveway, landscaping, or street. A $120 sewer scope can save you from inheriting this problem.

Sewer Scope Service Areas

We provide sewer scope inspections throughout Northern Colorado, including all of Larimer and Weld counties:

Loveland

Larimer County

Fort Collins

Larimer County

Greeley

Weld County

Windsor

Weld/Larimer

Berthoud

Larimer County

Johnstown

Weld/Larimer

Wellington

Larimer County

Timnath

Larimer County

Estes Park

Larimer County

Longmont

Boulder/Weld

Evans

Weld County

Milliken

Weld County

Sewer & Plumbing Resources

Helpful information for Northern Colorado homebuyers

InterNACHI Sewer Scope Standards

Learn about professional inspection standards for sewer line video inspections.

View Standards →

City of Loveland Utilities

Information about Loveland's sewer system, tap fees, and homeowner responsibilities.

Loveland Water & Wastewater →

Fort Collins Utilities

Fort Collins sewer service information and regulations for property owners.

Fort Collins Wastewater →

EPA Sewer Information

Federal guidelines on sewer systems and homeowner responsibilities.

EPA Sewer Info →

Sewer Line Risks by Northern Colorado City

Understanding your area's pipe types helps predict potential problems. Here's what we commonly find in each city.

Higher Risk Areas

Old Town Fort Collins, Downtown Loveland, Central Greeley

  • Pre-1960 clay and cast iron pipes
  • Mature trees with extensive root systems
  • Orangeburg pipe in 1950s-60s homes
  • Ground settling in older developments

Moderate Risk Areas

Windsor, Berthoud, Johnstown, West Greeley

  • Mix of 1970s-90s cast iron and early PVC
  • Agricultural areas with large cottonwoods
  • Soil movement from irrigation
  • Older ranch homes on septic converted to city sewer

Lower Risk (Still Recommended)

Timnath, Water Valley, RainDance, New Developments

  • Modern PVC pipe construction
  • Newer landscaping with smaller trees
  • Ground settling still possible
  • Installation defects occasionally found

Pro Tip: When we inspect in older neighborhoods like Old Town Fort Collins, Lake Loveland, or Glenmere Park, we find issues in roughly 40% of sewer lines. The $120 inspection is essential in these areas.

Sewer Scope Frequently Asked Questions

What is a sewer scope inspection?

A video camera is inserted into the sewer line to visually inspect the pipe from your home to the city connection. We can see tree roots, cracks, bellies, blockages, and pipe material.

How much does it cost?

Our sewer scope inspection is $120, which includes HD video footage and a same-day report. This is excellent insurance against $5,000-$25,000+ in potential repair costs.

Is it worth it in Colorado?

Absolutely. Northern Colorado has many homes with clay, cast iron, and Orangeburg pipes that deteriorate over time. Mature cottonwoods and willows are notorious for root intrusion.

What is Orangeburg pipe?

Tar paper pipe used 1945-1972 due to WWII metal shortages. It deteriorates and collapses over time. If found, replacement is typically recommended. Common in 1950s-60s Colorado homes.

How long does it take?

A sewer scope takes 15-30 minutes. When added to a home inspection, it adds minimal time to your appointment. You receive video footage and report the same day.

Can roots be cleared?

Minor root intrusion can be mechanically cut and treated. However, roots indicate cracks in the pipe that allow entry, and they typically return. Severe intrusion often requires pipe replacement.

What if problems are found?

You can negotiate repairs with the seller, request a price reduction, or walk away from the deal. Our detailed report and video footage provide the documentation you need.

Do new homes need sewer scopes?

We occasionally find installation defects, debris in the line, or damage from construction in new homes. While less common, a sewer scope provides peace of mind for any purchase.

Related Services & Service Areas

Other Services

Service Areas

Don't Buy a Home Without a Sewer Scope

A $120-200 inspection could save you $10,000+ in unexpected repairs.

Call Us Now

(720) 879-8000

Quality Home Inspections LLC

Mon-Sat: 7am - 7pm