Austin MN Point-of-Sale I&I Violations Guide

Complete breakdown of all 11 violations with repair costs and solutions

In This Guide:

What Are Point-of-Sale Violations?

During a Point-of-Sale I&I inspection, the licensed plumber checks 11 specific items on your property. If any clear water (from sump pumps, roof drains, groundwater) is connected to the sanitary sewer system, it's marked as a violation.

Why it matters: These violations cause Austin's sewer system to overflow during rain, leading to basement backups and river pollution.

Your options if violations exist:

  1. Fix before closing - Pay repair costs upfront
  2. Escrow arrangement - Buyer holds funds to fix post-closing
  3. Accept surcharge - Pay $100/month on utility bill forever

Sump Pump Violations (Most Common)

Violation #1: Sump Pump Discharges to Floor Drain

What it is: Flex hose from sump pump runs to an interior floor drain instead of outside to grade or storm sewer.

Severity
Low
Frequency
Very Common
Typical Repair Cost: $50 – $200
How to Fix:
  • Disconnect flex hose from floor drain
  • Install rigid PVC pipe through foundation wall
  • Route discharge to exterior grade or storm sewer
  • Install check valve to prevent backflow

Timeline: 2-4 hours (same day possible)

Violation #2: Sump Pump Missing Where Needed

What it is: Property has groundwater issues but no sump pump installed, or sump pit exists but pump is non-functional.

Severity
High
Frequency
Common in older homes
Typical Repair Cost: $750 – $2,000
How to Fix:
  • Excavate basement floor for sump pit (or use existing)
  • Install sump pump (1/2 HP to 3/4 HP typically)
  • Route discharge line to exterior
  • Install check valve and backup power system (optional but recommended)

Timeline: 1-2 days

Violation #3: Sump Pump Discharge to Sanitary Sewer (CRITICAL)

What it is: Sump pump is hard-piped directly into the sanitary sewer line inside the house.

Severity
CRITICAL
Frequency
Less common but found in 1950s-1970s homes
Typical Repair Cost: $200 – $500
How to Fix:
  • Disconnect pump from sanitary sewer line
  • Cap the sewer connection
  • Route pump discharge to exterior grade or storm sewer

Timeline: 2-4 hours

Roof Drain Violations

Violation #4: Roof Drain Connected to Sanitary Sewer

What it is: Gutters and downspouts drain into the sanitary sewer system instead of being disconnected or routed to storm sewer/grade.

Severity
High
Frequency
Very Common
Typical Repair Cost: $100 – $500
How to Fix:
  • Option A: Disconnect downspouts, route to grade with splash block
  • Option B: Connect to storm sewer if available
  • Option C: Install rain barrel system for reuse

Timeline: 2-6 hours depending on complexity

Foundation & Drainage Violations

Violation #5: Foundation Drain Connected to Sanitary

What it is: Foundation drain tile or underslab drainage is connected to sanitary sewer instead of daylight drain or storm sewer.

Severity
High
Frequency
Common in 1950s-1970s homes
Typical Repair Cost: $300 – $1,000
How to Fix:
  • Disconnect foundation drain from sanitary sewer
  • Route to exterior daylight drain or storm sewer
  • Ensure proper slope and drainage

Violation #6: Poor Exterior Grading

What it is: Ground slopes toward house instead of away from it, causing rainwater to collect against foundation.

Severity
Medium
Frequency
Common
Typical Repair Cost: $200 – $1,000
How to Fix:
  • Add soil around foundation to slope away (6 inches minimum slope in 10 feet)
  • Remove soil against siding (no soil contact)
  • Ensure gutters discharge away from foundation

Violation #7: Beaver Dam or Drainage System to Sanitary

What it is: Beaver system (artificial pond/wetland feature) or natural drainage system discharges to sanitary sewer.

Severity
High
Frequency
Rare (specialty homes)
Typical Repair Cost: $500 – $1,500
How to Fix:
  • Install sump pit and pump to manage drainage
  • Route to exterior discharge or storm sewer
  • Install check valve to prevent backflow

Sewer Line Issues

Violations #8-11: Sewer Line Defects (Video Required)

What they are: The inspecting plumber records a video of your sewer line from cleanout to main. Video may reveal:

  • Cracks or breaks in pipe
  • Offset joints (pipe sections don't align)
  • Tree root intrusion
  • Belly (sag) in pipe
  • Separated joints
Severity
Variable
Frequency
Moderate
Typical Repair Cost: $500 – $5,000+

(Depends on severity and repair method)

Repair Options (In Order of Cost):
  • Spot Repair: $500-$800 (patch small cracks)
  • Pipe Lining: $1,500-$3,000 (trenchless, coat interior)
  • Partial Replacement: $2,000-$4,000 (dig and replace section)
  • Full Replacement: $4,000-$8,000+ (entire line from cleanout to main)

Violation Cost Comparison Table

Violation Type Low Cost Mid Cost High Cost
Sump pump to floor drain $50 $100 $200
Roof drain disconnect $100 $250 $500
Install sump pump $750 $1,200 $2,000
Foundation drain fix $300 $600 $1,000
Exterior grading $200 $500 $1,000
Sewer line spot repair $500 $650 $800
Sewer line lining $1,500 $2,200 $3,000
Sewer line replacement $4,000 $6,000 $8,000+

Repair Options & Timelines

When Do You Need to Fix?

BEFORE Closing (Usually Required):

NEGOTIABLE (Can Escrow):

Typical Timelines

Quick Fixes (Same Day): $50-$200 repairs

Sump pump discharge redirects, floor drain fixes, simple disconnects

1-2 Day Projects: $300-$800 repairs

Roof drain rerouting, small sump pump installs, spot sewer repairs

3-5 Day Projects: $1,500-$3,000 repairs

Full sump pump installation, sewer line lining, foundation work

1-2 Week Projects: $4,000+ repairs

Full sewer line replacement, major foundation work, complex systems

Submit Your Inspection & Get Certified

Use our digital form to document violations and upload repair estimates to the City of Austin.

Start Digital Submission