Inspection Submittal Requirements
A sewer inspection will allow the City to determine if your property has a nonconforming sewer connection and give you the information needed to make any corrections to the lateral or private line.
Sewer video inspections submitted to the City for review must include:
- A link to a video inspection
- A written report
- Photographs of the painted location of the sewer on the ground surface
- A map or diagram showing the sewer lateral or private line location in a downloadable format.
Sewer video inspection materials must follow the guidelines below and be emailed to nonconforming@portlandoregon.gov with the property address included in the subject line.
Sewer Video Guidelines
Identification: All video inspections shall identify the site address, inspection date, and the video contractor's contact information. Visual verification of the site and surroundings is required before initiating the inspection. Inspections starting and ending in a pipe may be rejected.
Before Beginning the Inspection: Please clearly identify and describe the entry point and location using cardinal directions (i.e., "Southeast corner of the basement").
Introduction of Water into the System: Water shall be introduced into the building's sewer before starting the video inspection. The water flow shall be stopped before reversing the camera from the sewer main to the entry point.
Length of Inspection: The video inspection must record the entire distance from the building served to the city sewer main and reverse back to the point of origin unless there is a break in the line that prohibits this.
Image Quality: The image of the video inspection shall be clear, unobstructed, and fully illuminated for the entire length of the sewer. Videos that move too quickly may be rejected.
Voice Narration: A clear and precise voice narration is required. The narrator shall identify all observations during inspection, including location, transitions, wye connections, physical defects, pooling, root intrusions, and other obstructions.
Footage Counter: A footage counter must be displayed for the entire length of the sewer video inspection.
Suspected Party Connection: If a suspected party connection is observed, run water from the suspected connected property to confirm the connection to the private system.
Photo Guidelines
Provide photos of the locate markings where the sewer line exits the structure and crosses utilities, property lines, curb, as well as observed wye connections, defects, and the connection point to the city main. Please include clear reference points in the background so that the reviewer understands the photo's location.
Map Guidelines
The map needs to include sewer distance from structures, water meters, fences, property lines, or other notable property features. Please indicate the points and depths where the sewer line exits the structure, crosses utilities, property lines, observed wye connections, the curb, defects, and the connection point to the city main. The map needs to indicate which property the connection to the main is fronting.
Reviewing With Property Owner
Environmental Services may mail a proposed branch location map to the property owner to approve or edit. If the property owner has received a branch location map, please review the proposed location and assist the property owner with determining whether the proposed location and depth are suitable or whether edits should be made.