Everything Austin, MN homeowners need to know about Point-of-Sale I&I inspections
A Point-of-Sale (POS) inspection is a specialized sewer line inspection required when selling residential property in Austin, Minnesota. Also known as an Inflow & Infiltration (I&I) inspection, it focuses specifically on identifying sources of water entering the municipal sewer system during rainfall.
The inspector uses a camera to examine your home's sewer line and the surrounding foundation connections. They're looking for any pipes or drainage systems that allow stormwater (rainwater) to enter the sanitary sewer system, which is prohibited by Austin's ordinance.
Austin's sewer system was built decades ago with many properties connected to it in ways that send stormwater (rainwater) into the sanitary sewer. During heavy rains, this extra water overloads the system, causing:
By requiring inspections and fixing violations before homes sell, Austin is gradually reducing the amount of stormwater entering the sanitary system. Every correction made protects not only your property but the entire community's sewer infrastructure.
Austin's ordinance mandates that all stormwater must go to the storm sewer system (or on-site management), not the sanitary sewer. This protects:
During a Point-of-Sale inspection, the inspector examines these 11 critical areas:
The inspector will provide detailed photos and a written report identifying any violations they discover. This report becomes part of the sale disclosure and may be required by your lender before closing.
Contact a licensed plumber or inspector. Many book inspections 3-7 days in advance. You can schedule anytime, but doing it early gives you more time to address violations.
Inspector accesses your sewer line via a basement clean-out or exterior access point. They run a camera down the line and document everything. No excavation or digging required. You can be home or not—the inspector only needs access to the clean-out.
Inspector provides a written report with photos documenting any violations. You receive copies electronically or in person. Typical turnaround is 24 hours.
The inspection results must be submitted to Austin's City Hall. Your inspector typically handles this, or you can submit directly. The city uses this to track compliance citywide.
If violations are found, you have options: fix them before selling, get buyer approval, or negotiate price adjustments. Most sellers fix violations to avoid closing delays. Timeline depends on the repair type—simple fixes take days, complex ones take weeks.
Once violations are resolved or waived, your sale can proceed. The inspection certificate is provided to your realtor and lender as proof of compliance.
If violations are found, repair costs vary dramatically based on what's wrong. Here's what to budget for:
Simple fixes like regrading soil away from foundation or extending downspouts. May be DIY or contractor work.
Moving sump pump discharge lines, capping floor drains, or rerouting foundation drains. Licensed plumber required.
Replacing damaged sewer lines, major excavation, or installing new drain systems. Complex projects require engineering and permits.
Finding violations during a Point-of-Sale inspection is common—in fact, studies show 40–60% of Austin homes have at least one violation. This is not unusual and doesn't mean something is "wrong" with your home. It means the home was built or modified when building codes were different.
In most cases, buyers will either:
Lenders typically require violations to be addressed or waived before approving the mortgage, so violations don't simply go away—they become part of the sale negotiations.
Most real estate professionals recommend fixing violations before listing because:
Problem: Sump pump discharging into sanitary sewer or floor drain.
Solution: Reroute discharge to daylight (surface) or storm sewer. Cost: $300–$800. Time: 1 day.
Problem: Downspouts or roof gutters draining into the sewer line.
Solution: Disconnect and extend 10+ feet away from home (daylight), or connect to storm sewer. Cost: $500–$1,500. Time: 1–2 days.
Problem: Ground slopes toward foundation, allowing rainwater to pool against house.
Solution: Add 2–3 feet of topsoil sloped away from foundation, or create swale. Cost: $400–$1,200. Time: 1 day.
Problem: Foundation drains connected to sanitary sewer instead of storm sewer or daylight.
Solution: Disconnect and reroute, or cap drain. Cost: $1,000–$3,000. Time: 2–3 days.
Problem: Floor drains in basement or crawlspace draining to sewer.
Solution: Cap the drain or reroute to sump pump to daylight. Cost: $300–$1,000. Time: 1 day.
Problem: Cracks, tree root intrusion, or joint separation allowing groundwater infiltration.
Solution: Pipe lining (less invasive) or full replacement. Cost: $3,000–$15,000+. Time: 3–7+ days.
No. A home inspection is optional and covers the overall condition of the property. A Point-of-Sale inspection is mandatory in Austin and focuses specifically on sewer line violations. Many homeowners get both—one for general property condition, one for the city's requirement.
No. Austin requires a licensed plumber or authorized inspector to perform the inspection. The report must be submitted to the city with the inspector's credentials. DIY inspections are not accepted.
Typically 1–2 days after the inspection. Some inspectors provide same-day reports. Electronic copies are standard; printed copies available upon request.
Great news! You receive a "clear" report, which can be submitted to the city. Your sale proceeds without any I&I-related repairs or negotiations. This happens in 30–40% of inspections.
No, not without addressing them. Violations must be fixed or waived by the buyer in writing before closing. Most lenders won't approve financing without this clearance.
Simple fixes (downspouts, grading): 1–3 days. Moderate fixes (sump pump rerouting): 1–2 days. Major fixes (sewer replacement): 3–7+ days. Complex projects with permits may take 2–4 weeks.
Yes, and it's common. You can offer a credit toward closing, price reduction, or split costs. However, the buyer's lender may require proof that violations are addressed before approving the mortgage.
Yes, most major repairs require city permits (sewer work, foundation work, grading changes). Your contractor handles this. Permits typically add 1–2 weeks to the timeline and 5–10% to the cost.
Typically no. Insurance covers sudden damage (like tree roots breaking the line), but not code violations or pre-existing conditions. Check your policy or ask your agent.
Your inspector typically submits the report directly to Austin City Hall. You can also submit online at the city's engineering department. Confirmation usually arrives within 5–10 business days.
Don't delay—early inspection gives you time to address any violations before they impact your sale timeline.
Schedule Inspection NowFor more detailed information, see our other guides: