Inspection Costs
City Program
Free inspections by WHKS & Co. during scheduled program periods. No charge to property owners.
Private Plumber
Typical cost when hiring a licensed plumber for a Point-of-Sale I&I inspection. Varies by company.
Digital Submission
Submit the completed form online. PDF emailed to city, plumber, and property owner automatically.
The $100 Monthly Clear Water Surcharge
Austin's Municipal Code imposes a $100 per month clear water surcharge on utility bills for properties that have not completed their sump pump inspection. This surcharge continues until an inspection is performed and compliance is verified.
For a property sitting uninspected for 12 months, that's $1,200 in surcharges — far more than the cost of the inspection itself. Properties being sold must clear this before closing.
Repair Cost Breakdown
If the inspection reveals violations, here are typical repair costs in the Austin MN area:
| Issue | DIY Possible? | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Redirect sump pump flex hose to rigid exterior pipe | Yes | $30 - $100 |
| Disconnect roof drain from sanitary sewer | Sometimes | $100 - $500 |
| Redirect beaver system to sump pit | No (plumber) | $500 - $1,500 |
| Install new sump pit + pump + discharge | No (plumber) | $750 - $2,000 |
| Re-grade exterior soil away from foundation | Yes (labor-intensive) | $200 - $1,000 |
| Sewer line repair (cracks, root intrusion) | No (plumber) | $2,000 - $10,000+ |
| Full sewer line replacement | No (plumber) | $5,000 - $25,000 |
Note: Many minor repairs can be completed by homeowners. The city does not require a licensed plumber for corrections — only for the inspection itself.
Cost Comparison: Compliance vs. Non-Compliance
Compliant Property
- Inspection: $75-$200
- Digital submission: $3.99
- Minor repairs (if any): $30-$500
- Total: ~$110 - $700
Non-Compliant Property
- $100/month surcharge: $1,200/year
- Delayed sale closing
- Buyer may walk away
- Emergency repairs under pressure
- Total: $1,200+ per year
Submit Your Report and Avoid the Surcharge
$3.99 to Submit vs. $100/Month Surcharge
Don't let the clear water surcharge pile up. Submit your inspection report digitally and get your Certificate of I/I Compliance.
Submit Form Online — $3.99