What is the Austin MN Point-of-Sale I&I Inspection?
The City of Austin adopted a Point-of-Sale Inflow & Infiltration (I&I) Inspection Ordinance on April 19, 2025. Originally set to take effect July 1, 2025, the City Council voted 5-1 to delay implementation to March 1, 2026. The ordinance requires a Certificate of I/I Compliance for all properties connected to the public sewer at point of sale. A licensed plumber inspects sump pumps, roof drains, seepage collection systems, and sewer connections, then submits the official Sump Pump Inspection Report to the city.
Who needs to submit a sewer inspection in Austin MN?
Any property being sold within Austin city limits must have a licensed plumber perform the I&I inspection. The plumber fills out the city's official Sump Pump Inspection Report, signs it, and submits it along with video evidence to City Hall. Property owners can also hire WHKS & Co. (the city's engineering consultant) or any licensed plumber to perform the inspection.
Selling a home? → Complete homeowners guide to sewer inspections
How much does it cost to submit a sewer inspection form?
Submit Only ($3.99): One-time submission. Professional PDF is generated and automatically emailed to the City of Austin, to you, and to the property owner. No account required. Best for single submissions.
Submit & Save ($6.99): Everything in Submit Only, plus your submission is saved to your plumber dashboard. You can download the PDF anytime, resend emails to any recipient, and manage all past submissions in one place. Create a free account to access your dashboard. Best for professional plumbers managing multiple inspections.
What happens after I submit the form?
After payment, a professional PDF matching the city's official form is generated and emailed directly to the City of Austin Public Works Department, to you (the plumber), and optionally to the property owner.
Is video evidence required?
Yes. The ordinance requires date-stamped sewer line video. You can provide a YouTube, Google Drive, Vimeo, or Dropbox link to your video recording.
How long is a passing inspection valid?
A passing sump pump inspection certification is valid for 10 years in Austin MN, per the city ordinance.
What if the property fails the inspection?
If improper connections are found (such as a sump pump discharging into the sanitary sewer), the inspector issues a Violation Notice with a remediation deadline. Corrections must be completed before closing, or funds can be placed in escrow to cover repairs after closing. Non-compliance results in a $100/month surcharge on the property's utility bill. Repair costs typically range from under $100 for minor fixes to $2,000+ for major work like new sump pit installation.
Need details on each violation type? → View complete violations guide with repair costs
Is this tool affiliated with the City of Austin?
No. This is an independent digital submission tool provided by InspectorData.com. We are not affiliated with or endorsed by the City of Austin, MN. The official city form is used as the basis for our digital version.
How much does a sump pump inspection cost in Austin MN?
The city's free inspection program (conducted by WHKS & Co.) has no charge. If you hire a private licensed plumber, costs vary but are typically $75-$200 for the inspection itself. Digital submission through this tool is $3.99 per report, or $6.99 to also save it to your dashboard.
What is the $100 monthly clear water surcharge?
Properties that have not been inspected and passed receive a $100/month clear water surcharge on their utility bill. This surcharge continues until an inspection is completed and compliance is verified. Submitting your inspection report promptly avoids this recurring charge.
Can I do the sump pump inspection myself or do I need a licensed plumber?
For the Point-of-Sale ordinance, a licensed plumber must perform and sign the inspection. The city's free program uses WHKS & Co. engineers. For property sales, you need a licensed plumber to complete the official Sump Pump Inspection Report form and submit it to City Hall.
Licensed plumber? → Professional plumbers guide with 11-point checklist
What areas of Austin MN are being inspected?
The city divided Austin into six inspection areas: Southeast, Southcentral, Southwest, Northeast, Northcentral, and Northwest. All buildings with a sewer account are inspected regardless of whether a sump pump is present. The Point-of-Sale ordinance applies citywide to any property being sold.
What is a seepage collection (beaver) system?
A beaver system (also called a French drain or seepage collection system) collects groundwater from around your foundation and directs it to a sump pit. In Austin MN, the inspection checks whether this system properly discharges to a sump pit or is improperly connected to the sanitary sewer. Improper connections contribute to I&I problems during rain events.
What happens to the Cedar River when sewers overflow in Austin?
When inflow and infiltration overloads Austin's sanitary sewer system during heavy rainfall, untreated wastewater can bypass into the Cedar River and other receiving streams. The 2004 flood caused over $12 million in damage when the Cedar River crested 7 feet above flood stage. The I&I inspection program directly protects water quality in the Cedar River watershed and Mower County.