Private Sewer Lateral Video Inspection

Customers should ensure their selected plumbing contractor is certified or registered with the Pinellas County Construction Licensing Board (PCCLB). If a customer is eligible for a private sewer lateral rebate, then they should work with their plumber to make sure they understand and agree to meet all rebate program requirements. 

Pinellas County Utilities sewer customers may be required to submit to the County a video showing an inspection of their property’s sewer lateral pipe per the requirements of Pinellas County Code Section 126-704. The purpose of the inspection is to confirm that the lateral operates without leaks and is structurally sound. This inspection process protects property owners, occupants and the County.

A sewer pipe inspection camera, or push camera, is used to record a video of the sewer lateral. The push camera is inserted into the lateral from a cleanout outside of the building and within two feet of the foundation. Once inserted in the proper location, the camera is pushed downstream towards the connection to the public sewer. If the lateral is long and the camera doesn’t reach the public sewer, the camera should be inserted into an intermediate cleanout, if available, until the entire length of the lateral has been inspected. Lateral inspections must include the entire length of the lateral from approximately 2-feet outside of the building to the public portion of the lateral, as shown in the figure below.

Property owners must hire a plumbing contractor registered or certified with the PCCLB to conduct and record the inspection. Lateral inspections and re-inspections, as needed, are conducted at the property owner’s expense. In certain cases, the property owner may apply for a rebate for the cost of the inspection. For information on the Pinellas County Utilities Rebate Program, visit Private Sewer Lateral Rebate Program – Pinellas County, or play the videos below.

The suitability and quality of the inspection video will be subject to approval by Pinellas County Utilities staff. Video resolution, image noise, lighting, color rendition and file compression must be all at reasonable levels. The video should be recorded directly to digital media from the camera. Recording the push camera’s monitor using a phone or other secondary camera is not acceptable. The camera lens must be kept clean. Any grease, smears or debris on the camera lens that obscures the clarity of the video must be removed. To confirm the location of the inspection, the video recording should begin above ground, with the camera pointed toward the building.

Submission Requirements

In preparation for the video inspection, property owners should flush the lateral with fresh water. If the private lateral cannot be completely viewed due to pipe condition, an additional inspection will be required once the pipe is cleared of obstructions.

Inspection video files must be submitted through the Pinellas County Access Portal. First time users may need to first create an account. The online form to submit with the video file can be completed at Private Sewer Lateral Video Inspection (formsite.com).

Video files submitted through email, on a USB flash drive, or by other means will be rejected.

If the following defects are present in the video, as defined in Section V of the Private Sewer Lateral Rebate Policy, the lateral will fail the inspection and the property owner will be directed to fix the defects and provide proof of the repair.

1. Evidence of pipe or joint cracks or deteriorations.
2. Root intrusion into a pipe.
3. A misaligned pipe segment, sag, or lack of positive gradient.
4. A lack of a necessary cleanout cap.
5. A downspout, drain, defective cleanout, or other connection that allows stormwater or other extraneous water to enter the sanitary sewer collection system.
6. A defect such as a crack, fracture, hole, open joint, etc., or active leak that allows the discharge of sewage on the property or the introduction of extraneous water into the System.

If a private sewer lateral is found to be defective, it must be rehabilitated or replaced at the expense of the property owner within 365 calendar days from the date of the inspection (Pinellas County Code 126-704 (3)).

If you have additional questions, email privatesewer@pinellas.gov or call (727) 464-4000 and press 8.

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