The Pipe Up Campaign Banner. An illustration of a homeowner experiencing a broken pipe.

HELP YOUR CLIENTS AVOID A NASTY SURPRISE.

Most homebuyers have no idea what a lateral sewer line (LSL) is or that it’s their responsibility to maintain it. And because LSL inspections aren’t required, many homebuyers skip them.

But for homes built before 1975, a deteriorating LSL could be harboring a nasty and expensive surprise. That’s why many home inspectors now offer camera scope inspections to their clients, by teaming up with local contractors or by learning how to do the inspections themselves.

Looking for homebuyer info?

WHY YOUR CUSTOMERS WANT A SCOPE INSPECTION.

Share this video with your clients to show why camera scope inspections are recommended for homes built before 1975.

Learn more about lateral sewer lines and camera scope inspections

Download and share this handout to help your team and your clients learn more about lateral sewer lines.

A graphic of outreach materials.

BUSINESSES* THAT OFFER CAMERA SCOPE INSPECTIONS.

*Does not represent an official endorsement or recommendation of the Tampa Bay Estuary Program.

Business NameNumberAddressWebsite
Waypoint Property Inspection(813) 946-66923220 Parkside Center Cir
Tampa, FL 33619
View Website
Quality Pumping of Central FL(813) 369-59396091 Johns Rd, Tampa, FL 33634View Website
House 2 Home Inspection Services(813) 310 4103View Website
Dr. Plumbing(727) 755-70001505 Maple Street Clearwater, 33755View Website
Sleuth Leak Detection(800) 329-53253988 Manatee Ave E,
Bradenton, FL 34208
View Website
Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup(800) 768-69115020 Tampa W BlvdTampa, FL 33634View Website
Florida Pipe-lining Solutions(941) 308-5325210 Field End St, Sarasota, FL 34240View Website
Coast2Bay Inspections(844) 346-7732View Website
J & S Plumbing(813) 655-66886208 E Columbus Dr, Tampa, FL 33619View Website
Florida Pipe-lining Solutions(941) 308-5325210 Field End St, Sarasota, FL 34240View Website

Waypoint Property Inspection

(813) 946-6692

3220 Parkside Center Cir, Tampa, FL 33619

Quality Pumping of Central FL

(813) 369-5939

6091 Johns Rd, Tampa, FL 33634

House 2 Home Inspection Services

(813) 310-4103

Dr. Plumbing

(727) 755-7000

1505 Maple Street, Clearwater, FL 33755

Sleuth Leak Detection

(800) 329-5325

3988 Manatee Ave E, Bradenton, FL 34208

Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup

(800) 768-6911

5020 Tampa W Blvd Tampa, FL 33634

Florida Pipe-Lining Solutions

(941) 308-5325

210 Field End St, Sarasota, FL 34240

J & S Plumbing

(813) 655-6688

6208 E Columbus Dr, Tampa, FL 33619

COMMON QUESTIONS

If I wanted to work with a contractor to inspect lateral sewer lines, what would that process look like?
Contact contractors in your area that specialize in camera scope inspections to find out how you can partner with them. You can find a directory of contractors that offer lateral sewer line inspections on this web page.
What certification is needed to conduct lateral sewer line inspections?
There is no certification needed to inspect a lateral sewer line. If damage is found in the line, refer the homeowner to a plumber who can handle the replacement or repair of the line.
How long does it take to inspect a lateral sewer line?
Lateral line inspections take 30 to 60 minutes on average. Inspection time can vary depending on how easy it is to access the lateral line, the length of the line and how easily the camera can move through the pipe.
What equipment is used to scope lateral sewer lines with a camera?
Camera inspections require specialty equipment, including a scoping camera, LED lights to illuminate dark spaces, and an LCD monitor to view video in real time. Some home inspectors choose to purchase their own equipment; others prefer to work with a contractor who specializes in camera scoping inspections.
What’s the easiest way to access a lateral sewer line for a camera inspection?
Cleanouts usually are located outside the home between the foundation and the street or on the side of the home closest to a bathroom. Access ports may also be in the basement or roof, and may be covered by drywall, but this is not typical for most homes.
Is Pipe Up just for the Tampa Bay area?
Existing efforts will focus on the Tampa Bay area but may be expanded in the future.
Who funds Pipe Up?
The Pipe Up is funded by the Tampa Bay Estuary Program, with support from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and Pinellas County. TBEP supports efforts to improve water quality. Older pipes are susceptible to cracks and breaks that leak sewage into groundwater or cause sewage overflows, contributing to algae growth and dead zones in the Bay.
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