Compliance Markets for Sewer Lateral Inspections
Many sanitary districts require a sewer lateral inspection as a condition of property sale. We specialize in fast, thorough compliance inspections with expedited turnaround for real estate timelines.
Sewer Lateral Inspections: A Point-of-Sale Requirement
Several sanitary districts throughout our service area mandate sewer lateral inspections whenever a property changes hands. These inspections protect infrastructure, ensure environmental safety, and streamline property transactions by identifying any damaged laterals before escrow closes.
Pipe Cam, Inc. has been providing compliance inspections for real estate transactions since 2001. We know the specific requirements for each district, deliver fast results, and provide the documentation needed to keep your transaction on track.
- ✓Expedited turnaround for real estate timelines
- ✓Inspection and findings clearly communicated
- ✓Help with next steps if work is needed
- ✓Trusted by real estate agents throughout the region
Compliance Markets We Serve
We are familiar with the specific requirements, forms, and processes for each of the following districts and jurisdictions.
Don't see your area listed? Call us — requirements change and we may cover additional districts.
What Each District Requires at Sale
Each district sets its own trigger, steps, and validity period. A district permit or review fee applies where noted. Summarized from each district's published rules; last verified September 28, 2026.
Castro Valley Sanitary District
When it's required
Every property sold within the district must have a valid Sewer Lateral Inspection Exemption Certificate before the close of escrow. Exempt: a property that already has a valid, unexpired certificate; buildings constructed 30 years or less before the sale with a district-approved capacity permit; foreclosure transfers to a bank; and inter-family transfers.
Steps
- Check the district's permit portal for an existing valid certificate. If there is one, no inspection is needed.
- Hire a licensed contractor for a CCTV (camera) inspection of the lateral.
- Obtain a district CCTV permit (permit fee applies) and schedule at least 24 hours ahead. A district inspector must be present during the inspection.
- The district reviews the video and passes or fails the lateral.
How long it's valid
The inspection video is valid for 6 months. A passed inspection earns a certificate valid for 10 years.
Ironhouse Sanitary District (Oakley & Bethel Island)
When it's required
A sale needs a CCTV inspection and a Compliance Certificate before escrow closes (or before the deed is recorded, if there is no escrow), unless the property already has a certificate that is still valid — certificates last 20 years. There is no age exemption for sales. Other triggers include a qualifying sewer service call, a building permit above the district's valuation threshold when there has been no inspection in the previous 20 years, a sewer overflow, unpermitted work, a change of use, and subdivision.
Steps
- Notify the district of the time and date of the CCTV inspection at least 7 calendar days in advance.
- A licensed contractor records a CCTV inspection, stating the property address at the start of the video and recording the address or the area around the building.
- The video is submitted to the District Engineer for review (review fee applies).
- If the lateral is free of roots and debris, has no improper connections such as downspouts or sump pumps, and has tight, sound joints, the district issues a Compliance Certificate.
How long it's valid
An inspection is valid for 6 months. Once issued, a Compliance Certificate means the lateral does not need re-testing for 20 years, unless the district has reason to believe it is defective or certain other events occur.
City of Vallejo (Vallejo Flood & Wastewater District)
When it's required
Selling a property connected to the district's sewer system requires an inspection of the private (upper) lateral before the close of escrow. Exempt: condominiums and mobile homes within a park, among others.
Steps
- The buyer, seller, or either party's agent hires a licensed contractor.
- The contractor inspects the entire private lateral with CCTV equipment and completes the district's Private Lateral Inspection Report Form with findings and a link to the video.
- The report goes to the buyer, the seller, and the district at least 10 days before the close of escrow.
Once the report is shared and submitted, the requirement is fulfilled.
How long it's valid
An inspection report is valid for 12 months after the inspection.
West Contra Costa County (Port Costa, Crockett, Rodeo, Hercules, San Pablo, El Sobrante)
When it's required
Most West County sewer agencies require a video inspection of the private sewer lateral before a property sale closes, and issue a compliance certificate once they have reviewed it. Several agencies serve these towns, and their requirements, deadlines and notice periods vary.
Steps
- When you book, we confirm which agency serves the property and what it requires.
- If the agency wants advance notice to witness the inspection, we schedule around it.
- We clean the line when needed and record a camera inspection of the full lateral.
- The video goes to the agency for review.
How long it's valid
It depends on the agency. Most set a limited window for the inspection, so we recommend scheduling it early in the listing.
District rules change. We confirm the current requirements for your property when you book.
Why Are Sewer Lateral Inspections Required?
Protect Infrastructure
Damaged laterals can allow groundwater infiltration and exfiltration, which overloads public sewer systems and increases treatment costs for everyone.
Ensure Environmental Safety
Cracked or failed sewer laterals can leach sewage into the soil and groundwater. Inspections identify and prevent this environmental contamination.
Streamline Transactions
Identifying sewer issues before closing prevents post-sale disputes and unexpected expenses — protecting both buyers and sellers.
How We Help Keep Your Deal on Track
We understand that real estate transactions move quickly and that delays cost everyone money. Our compliance inspection process is designed to integrate seamlessly with your transaction timeline.
- ✓Scheduling — we can usually get you on the schedule within a few days, depending on our workload and your availability
- ✓Clear Findings — we communicate results to all parties clearly
- ✓Next Steps — if the lateral needs work, we help you with next steps
- ✓Documentation — complete reports suitable for all parties in the transaction