Professional Plumbers Guide

Point-of-Sale I&I Inspection Standards & Procedures for Austin, MN

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Licensing & Professional Requirements

Who Can Perform Point-of-Sale Inspections?

Only licensed plumbers are authorized to perform Point-of-Sale I&I inspections in Austin, MN. Master or journeyman plumber licenses from Minnesota are required. Unlicensed technicians may assist but cannot sign off on official reports.

Minnesota Plumber License Requirements

City of Austin Specific Requirements

Pro Tip

Register your business with Austin's Engineering Department. It streamlines form submissions and establishes your credibility with homeowners and real estate professionals. City contact: jrachwitc@ci.austin.mn.us

Required Equipment & Tools

Proper equipment is essential for thorough, professional inspections:

Sewer Camera System

High-resolution camera on motorized reel to inspect full sewer line. Professional-grade camera (not consumer DIY systems). Should handle 100+ feet of line.

Lighting & Visibility

LED work lights for dark areas, clean-out covers, and inspecting foundation connections. High-powered flashlight minimum.

Measuring Tools

Tape measure (25+ feet), camera distance estimator. Documentation requires accurate measurements of drainage slopes and distances.

Photo/Video Documentation

High-resolution camera or phone for documenting violations. Camera feed capture from sewer scope equipment. Video capability essential.

Report Software

Professional inspection software or template system. Many plumbers use pdf forms or report generation software. Digital reports with embedded photos required.

Safety Equipment

Gloves, safety glasses, ventilation equipment. Confined space entry gear if entering clean-outs. First aid kit. Hand sanitizer.

Assessment Tools

Slope gauge for grading assessment. Inspection mirror for tight spots. Probe for verifying connections.

Documentation Forms

Standardized inspection forms. Austin city submission forms. Professional letterhead. Signature/seal supplies.

Official 11-Point Inspection Checklist

The City of Austin requires inspection of these 11 specific areas. Document findings for each:

Complete Point-of-Sale I&I Inspection Checklist

  • Sump Pump Discharge: Location, destination (daylight vs. sewer vs. floor drain), proper installation
  • Roof Drains: All downspouts, gutters, roof drainage routed to storm or away from house (not sanitary sewer)
  • Foundation/Basement Drains: Perimeter drains, footing drains, interior drains—all destinations documented
  • Floor Drains: Location and connection point. Any drain in basement, crawlspace, or garage should be documented
  • Exterior Grading/Drainage: Slope of soil around foundation, presence of swales, French drains, or gravel
  • Sewer Line Integrity: Cracks, breaks, root intrusion, joint separation, offset pipes—camera inspection findings
  • Sewer Lateral Connections: Proper connection of main sewer line to municipal system, single or double connections
  • Backwater Valve/Check Valve: Presence, location, and apparent functionality
  • Ditch/Swale Systems: Any on-property or adjacent drainage systems and their destination
  • Gravel/Rock Drains: Under-foundation gravel layers or rock trenches for drainage
  • Evidence of Water Intrusion: Visible staining, seepage, mold, or water damage suggesting infiltration

Documentation Standard: For each of the 11 areas, the report must clearly state: (1) What was observed, (2) Whether it constitutes a violation, (3) Specific code violation if applicable, and (4) Photo or video evidence.

Standard Inspection Procedures

Step 1: Pre-Inspection & Property Assessment (5–10 minutes)

  1. Confirm property address and owner identification
  2. Walk perimeter of home, noting all downspouts, gutters, drainage paths
  3. Document exterior grading and slope direction
  4. Identify location of main sewer clean-out (usually near foundation or in yard)
  5. Take baseline photos of property exterior, roof, gutters, landscape drainage
  6. Note any visible drainage issues or concerns

Step 2: Sewer Line Camera Inspection (20–30 minutes)

  1. Locate main sewer clean-out and remove cover safely
  2. Inspect clean-out opening for defects or lateral pipe connections
  3. Thread camera head with protective boot down the line toward public sewer
  4. Methodically inspect the entire sewer line to public system connection
  5. Document with video and still photos:
    • Pipe cracks or breaks
    • Root intrusion or penetrations
    • Joint separation or offset
    • Debris or plugging
    • Connection to public main
    • Second lateral connections if present
  6. Return camera, note any technical challenges or limitations

Step 3: Foundation & Drainage Connections (15–20 minutes)

  1. Enter basement/crawlspace and inspect all visible piping
  2. Document each drain's origin and destination:
    • Sump pump discharge point
    • Floor drain connections
    • Footing/foundation drains
    • Any piping entering sewer cleanout
  3. Follow visible pipes to understand flow paths
  4. Check for buried or concealed connections (consult homeowner)
  5. Look for evidence of water intrusion, mold, or seepage
  6. Photograph each connection point and pipe location

Step 4: Exterior Grading & Drainage Assessment (10–15 minutes)

  1. Walk complete perimeter of foundation, noting soil slope direction
  2. Assess slope steepness (should be minimum 1-2 feet drop over 10 feet distance away from foundation)
  3. Identify gutters, downspouts, and where water naturally flows
  4. Document any low spots, pooling areas, or swales near foundation
  5. Note presence of gravel trenches, French drains, or rock drains
  6. Trace downspout discharge points (should be 5–10+ feet from foundation)
  7. Take slope and drainage photos from multiple angles

Step 5: Report Documentation & Analysis (15–20 minutes)

  1. Review all photos and video from the inspection
  2. Cross-reference observations against the 11-point checklist
  3. Identify any violations and applicable code sections
  4. Prepare written summary with specific findings
  5. Create professional report with embedded photos
  6. Sign and date the official report form
  7. Prepare for city submission or homeowner delivery

Total Time Per Inspection: 60–90 minutes typical. Complex properties with multiple violations or difficult-to-access areas may require 2+ hours.

Violation Documentation Standards

When you identify a violation, documentation must include specific details:

Violation Documentation Template:
Type: [Roof Drain to Sewer / Sump Pump to Sewer / Poor Grading / etc.]
Location: [Specific location on property]
Description: [What was observed and why it violates code]
Code Section: [Austin Ordinance reference, if applicable]
Severity: [Minor / Moderate / Major]
Photos: [Reference photo numbers or embedded images]
Recommended Action: [Repair options and timelines]

Common Violation Categories

Category 1: Sump Pump Issues

Violation: Sump pump discharging into floor drain, basement drain, or sanitary sewer.

Documentation: Photo of pump discharge location, trace of pipe to destination. Severity: Major (common and easily corrected).

Repair Option: Daylight discharge or storm sewer connection. Est. cost: $500–$1,500.

Category 2: Roof Drainage

Violation: Downspouts, gutters, or roof drains connected to sanitary sewer or discharging near foundation.

Documentation: Photo of gutter system, discharge point, and downspout routing. Severity: Major (common problem).

Repair Option: Extend downspouts 10+ feet away or connect to storm sewer. Est. cost: $400–$1,500.

Category 3: Grading & Slope

Violation: Ground sloping toward foundation or inadequate drainage away from house.

Documentation: Photos from multiple angles showing slope direction and grade. Severity: Moderate (easily visible).

Repair Option: Regrade soil with 2+ foot drop over 10 feet distance. Est. cost: $300–$1,000.

Category 4: Foundation Drains

Violation: Foundation drains, footing drains, or interior basement drains connected to sanitary sewer.

Documentation: Photo of drain origin and pipe routing. Severity: Major (significant water source).

Repair Option: Reroute to daylight, storm sewer, or cap drain. Est. cost: $1,000–$3,000.

Category 5: Sewer Line Defects

Violation: Cracks, breaks, root intrusion, joint separation, or offset pipes in sewer lateral.

Documentation: Video stills from camera inspection showing defect type and location. Severity: Major (infiltration risk).

Repair Option: Pipe lining or full replacement. Est. cost: $3,000–$15,000+.

Required Forms & Reporting

Official City Submission Form

Austin City Engineering requires Point-of-Sale inspections submitted on the official I&I Inspection Form. Contact the City Engineering Department to obtain the current form template or download from the city website.

City Contact: jrachwitc@ci.austin.mn.us

↗ Visit City of Austin Engineering Website

What Must Be Included in Your Report

Professional Tip: Create a standardized report template in Microsoft Word or PDF software. Include your logo, license info, and consistent formatting. This saves time on future inspections and presents a professional image.

City Submission Process

How to Submit Results to Austin City Engineering

  1. Complete the official form with all required information and signatures
  2. Include all supporting photos (minimum 5–10 quality photos per inspection)
  3. Calculate property/parcel ID (ask homeowner or look up in county records)
  4. Prepare email or printed submission with cover letter
  5. Submit to city:
    • Email: jrachwitc@ci.austin.mn.us
    • Mailing: City of Austin Engineering Department, 500 4th Ave NE, 2nd Floor, Austin MN 55912
  6. Request confirmation email when submitting electronically
  7. Keep copy for your records and provide copy to homeowner
  8. Follow up if city doesn't acknowledge receipt within 10 business days

Typical Submission Timeline

Submission Best Practices

  • Always keep a copy of submitted reports for your business records and liability protection
  • Use email submission when possible—creates a digital trail of delivery
  • Include the homeowner's full legal name and property address on all documents
  • If violations require repair, provide the homeowner with recommended contractor names or resources
  • Provide homeowner with timeline expectations for repairs and city approval

Professional Best Practices

Quality Standards

Customer Communication

Business Development

Liability & Protection

Professional Development

Consider taking continuing education courses on sewer inspection techniques, camera system operation, and I&I program requirements. Minnesota requires plumbers to maintain active licenses and complete annual continuing education (contact Minnesota Department of Labor for requirements).

Reference Resources

City of Austin Official Resources:

Minnesota Plumber License Information:

Professional Organizations:

Related Guides for Your Reference:

About This Guide

This professional guide provides standards and procedures for licensed plumbers performing Point-of-Sale I&I inspections in Austin, MN. Information current as of March 2026. Always verify current requirements with the City of Austin.

Austin Sewer Inspection

City of Austin Engineering Contact Submit Inspection Online Homeowners Guide