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Plumbing Inspections in Des Moines, IA

Sewer camera and whole-property plumbing inspections in Des Moines. Recorded footage, a written summary, and no pressure to buy anything afterward.

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OVERVIEW

Plumbing Inspections in Des Moines

A plumbing inspection tells you what condition a property is genuinely in, before it becomes an emergency or a negotiation. For buyers in Des Moines that means knowing whether the sewer lateral has years left or months. For owners it means catching a failing line while it is still a repair rather than a replacement.

The city belongs to the regional wastewater authority and is also its contracted operator, but none of that covers the private lateral between your building and the city main. That pipe belongs to the property owner, and in 1960s housing it is usually the oldest thing on the lot.

All work is performed in compliance with the 2024 Uniform Plumbing Code as adopted by the State of Iowa.

Clog Busters technician sewer camera inspection basement

WHEN AN INSPECTION IS WORTH IT

When a Des Moines Property Should Be Inspected

An inspection is cheapest at the moment it is easiest to act on what it finds.

Before You Buy

A standard home inspection does not put a camera in the sewer lateral. That line is among the most expensive things on a property and the least visible.

After Repeated Drain Problems

Two or three calls on the same line is the point to stop clearing it and start finding out why it keeps happening.

Before a Remodel

Opening walls and floors is the cheapest opportunity you will ever get to see and fix what is behind them.

When Nobody Has Ever Looked

Plenty of properties have never had a camera in the lateral. Age alone justifies one look, and it costs far less than a surprise.

Cast Iron Shedding Scale

Rust flakes or grit turning up in a drain means the inside of an old iron line is breaking down, not simply dirty.

A Line Nobody Has Ever Inspected

Plenty of houses here are still on original 1960s laterals that have never had a camera in them. Age by itself is a reason to look.

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INSPECTION SERVICES

Inspections We Perform in Des Moines

For buyers, owners, landlords, and anyone about to open a wall.

  1. 01

    Pre-Purchase Sewer Camera

    The most valuable inspection on an older property, and the one a general home inspection leaves out entirely.

  2. 02

    Full Property Plumbing Inspection

    Fixtures, supply, drainage, water heater, and shutoffs, documented so you have a baseline rather than an opinion.

  3. 03

    Sewer Lateral Camera and Locate

    Recorded footage of the full run, with the position and depth of any fault marked from the surface.

  4. 04

    Repeat-Problem Diagnosis

    For a line that keeps failing, an inspection that answers why instead of simply clearing it one more time.

  5. 05

    Pre-Remodel Survey

    Knowing what is behind the wall before the wall opens, so the budget does not move halfway through the project.

  6. 06

    Rental and Commercial Surveys

    Landlords and buyers documenting condition across units before it turns into a dispute.

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WHY CLOG BUSTERS

Why Des Moines Buyers and Owners Use Us

  • We Hand Over the Footage The recording is yours. Show it to a seller, a contractor, or a second opinion without needing to come back through us.
  • No Pressure to Buy Work An inspection that always finds something expensive is a sales call. Ours frequently reports that a system is fine.
  • We Locate as Well as Look Finding a fault is only half of it. Marking its position and depth from the surface is what makes any quote meaningful.
  • Licensed Iowa Plumbers Licensed through the Iowa Plumbing and Mechanical Systems Board and working to the 2024 Uniform Plumbing Code.
  • We Know This Housing Stock A median build year of 1961 brings cast iron, clay, and venting quirks that a newer suburb simply does not have.
  • We Pull the Permit Permits run through the city Permit and Development Center, and filing one is part of the job rather than something you chase afterward.
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How a Plumbing Inspection Works in Des Moines

Look at everything, record it, and hand you the evidence.

  1. Walk the Fixtures

    Every fixture run and checked for flow, drainage, leaks, and shutoff function, including the ones nobody in the house ever uses.

  2. Camera the Sewer Lateral

    The full run from building to connection, recorded, with any fault located and marked from the surface.

  3. Permit and Code

    Des Moines issues plumbing permits through its Permit and Development Center, and the work is done to the 2024 Uniform Plumbing Code Iowa has adopted.

  4. Check Supply and Water Heater

    Pressure, visible supply lines, shutoffs, the water heater and its venting, the relief valve, and expansion control.

  5. Summary and Footage

    You get the recording and a plain summary of what is fine, what to watch, and what needs doing, with no obligation to have us do any of it.

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REVIEWS

Hear From Some Of Our Customers

Don't Just Take Our Word For It

See All Reviews
4.9 4.9-star Google rating

“Max did a great job with our plumbing issue. He came same day and was very helpful an communicated every step of the way. Cleaned everything up when he was done. Will definitely call them for future issues.”

Lisa Morales

“I had my furnace inspected for fall maintenance today, and the tech mentioned my drain was backing up - not exactly the news I wanted to hear! I called Clog Busters and they had someone out within the hour, which already impressed me. Max was the technician, and he was absolutely splendid. He took the time to explain everything thoroughly without being condescending about it, which I really appreciated. He was clean and respectful of my home and belongings the entire time he was here.”

Sheree Clark

“Jordan Rambo was amazing he spent the extra time cleaning up area and taught me what I should and shouldn’t do for drains he was professional, extremely knowledgeable and polite. I would recommend him any time !”

Thomas Downin

“I live in an area with a lot of tree roots and need to get my sewer drain augered regularly. when jordan came to issue me a quote he also gave me so much information other businesses hadn’t. after he was finished completing the service he cleaned up after himself and gave me a thorough synopsis.”

Doña Andrade

“Rambo, was outstanding! If I could give 10 stars I would! Did everything he could to help and explain everything where I could understand!”

Elly Hawk

“Nick did an amazing job at our house today 8-29-2026. He was very informative, professional and answered all our questions. Couldn't ask for anything better.”

Bruce Cordes

“Rambo did a great job. Took care of us and gave tips on how to unclog myself next time. Fast service.”

Amy Debassige

“Caleb and Noah were a lifesaver. Needed the kitchen drain cleaned after guests ran potato peels down the disposal on Christmas Day. They take emergency calls and made sure I didn't have to wash Christmas dishes in the bathtub.”

Paul Vincent

“Max showed up and cleared a clog from our kitchen sink drain. He was professional, prompt and honest with pricing. He found a larger issue that he provided quotes for, and was able to complete that work the same day. Thank you Max”

Michael Podzimek

“Efficient, professional and knowledgeable service. Jordan and Evan did a fantastic job for us. Highly recommend!”

Nick DeRocher

FAQ

Plumbing Inspection FAQs for Des Moines

Still stuck? Call the Des Moines shop at (515) 259-1991.

Almost never. A standard home inspection is visual and does not put a camera in the lateral, which is exactly where the most expensive surprises are. It is a separate service.

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Des Moines metro homeowners rely on Clog Busters for thorough, honest plumbing inspections. Licensed in Iowa and backed by nearly 2,800 five-star reviews, with recommendations focused on what makes the most sense for your home.

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