Compare Sewer Repair Estimates

Before you collect bids

Denver property owners are responsible for the private sewer tap/service line on their property, while the City and County of Denver maintains the main public sewers. The city recommends hiring a licensed plumbing company to locate a private tap or service line. If a backup is in the city line, DOTI Wastewater personnel service it; if it is in the private line, the owner is responsible for contacting a plumber and repairing the damage. Report a sewer backup to the city at (303) 446-3400 so the city line can be checked.

Before comparing bids, ask each plumber for a written scope that includes:

• Video inspection results and the exact location of the problem.
• The proposed method (for example, open excavation, pipe bursting, or cured-in-place lining) and why it fits your situation.
• Permits, inspections, and any required city coordination.
• Restoration of landscaping, concrete, or other surfaces.
• Warranty terms and what they cover.

General method descriptions from other municipalities—such as Portland's pipe bursting explanation and Arlington County's sanitary sewer relining page—explain processes only. They do not establish Denver permit approval, property-specific suitability, or a recommendation for any contractor.

Private estimate comparison worksheet

The worksheet works in this browser without automatic storage. Field values are not sent to the server. Anonymous action observations contain only an action name and page. Download creates a local text file containing your entries; save or share it only deliberately. Reset clears the worksheet.

The worksheet works in this browser without automatic storage. Field values are not sent to the server. Anonymous action observations contain only an action name and page. Download creates a local text file containing your entries; save or share it only deliberately. Reset clears the worksheet.

How to compare fairly

Compare the same scope across bids. A lower total may exclude restoration, permits, or a longer warranty. Check whether each bid includes video inspection, cleaning, and final verification. Ask about access pits, excavation, and surface restoration, which can be part of pipe bursting or lining work.

Also consider the cause. Roots are drawn into sewer lines by moisture, warmth, and nutrients, and can enter through cracks or pinholes and eventually clog the line. The city advises against flushing disposable diapers, baby wipes, and feminine hygiene products, and against pouring grease into drains. A repair method that addresses the cause may differ from one that only clears a blockage.

Sanitary sewer overflows can back up into homes and cause property damage. EPA notes possible causes include blockages, line breaks, and defects that let stormwater and groundwater overload the system. If you suspect a city main issue, contact DOTI Wastewater at (303) 446-3400.

Related pages

• Sewer inspection questions
• Repair method comparison
• Denver resources and responsibility
• About this resource
• Contact
• Sources and credits

Public operator contact: Guerin@novcog.com. This site is published by NovCog / NovelCognition as an independent homeowner information resource, not a contracting company.