Sewer Lateral Inspections

Golden Gate Home Inspections
5.0
Based on 393 reviews
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Golden Gate Home Inspections
5.0
Based on 393 reviews
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Sewer lateral inspectors near you in the San Francisco Bay area

Sewer Lateral Inspections

  • Certified home inspectors
  • Detailed home inspection reports
  • Experienced Inspectors
  • modern inspection tools

Golden Gate Home Inspections works with licensed plumbing contractors to conduct professional sewer lateral inspections throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. We provide sewer lateral inspections for first-time buyers, sellers, homeowners, and anyone who just wants to know more about their home or plan renovations. 

If you are looking for a local sewer lateral inspection near you, look no further, we serve San Francisco, Marin, San Mateo, Alameda, Contra Costa, and Santa Clara counties. We are your local home inspection team!

Our Sewer Lateral Inspections and reports contain observations of the deficiencies we located during the camera inspection of the sewer lateral, photos of the issues located in the sewer lateral inspection, and a video of the sewer inspection for your records or submission to your local municipality to comply with local regulations.

Performed by a Licensed Plumbing Contractor

A Licensed Plumbing Contractor performs all of our Sewer Lateral Inspections.

Highly Rated

We are a highly-rated home inspection company. We have earned this reputation by providing quality, unbiased home inspections, and excellent customer service.

Experience & Training

Our sewer lateral inspectors have years of experience and are able to provide service should your sewer lateral fails its inspection.

Rapid Turnaround

We are an agile and accommodating property inspection company. Our normal turnaround is 1-2 business days but we can do same-day reports for tight contingency timelines.

Schedule Inspection

To schedule an inspection or get a quote, just fill in the form below and someone from our team will reach out to you shortly.

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Pricing Details

How Much Do Sewer Lateral Inspections Cost?

The price of a professional sewer lateral inspection can vary based on the complexity of the property layout,
and what’s included in the inspection. Our pricing starts at $485 for Residential Properties and $685 for Commercial Properties.

Sewer Lateral Inspection
(Commercial and Multi-Family)

starting at

$685

A Commercial sewer lateral inspection is a crucial service for commercial property owners, ensuring that the sewer lines connecting their facilities to public sewage systems are in optimal condition. Given the higher demands placed on commercial sewer lines due to more extensive usage, these inspections are vital for maintaining smooth operations and complying with health regulations.

1 Licensed Plumbing Contractor
1-2 Hours

  • Visual Inspection
  • Camera Survey
  • Pipe Material Assessment
  • Joint & Connection Inspection
  • Identify Blockages or Obstructions
  • Slope & Alignment Check
  • Checking for Leakage
  • Assessment of Cleanouts
  • Report Generation
  • Compliance Check (NOT INCLUDED)
Schedule Inspection

Sewer Lateral Inspection
(SFH’s and Condo/TIC’s)

starting at

$485

A residential sewer lateral inspection evaluates the condition of a home’s sewer line, the pipeline that connects the house to the municipal main sewer. This inspection is essential for homeowners to prevent or identify issues such as blockages, leaks, or damage caused by tree roots and aging pipes.

1 Licensed Plumbing Contractor
1 Hour

  • Visual Inspection
  • Camera Survey
  • Pipe Material Assessment
  • Joint & Connection Inspection
  • Identify Blockages or Obstructions
  • Slope & Alignment Check
  • Checking for Leakage
  • Assessment of Cleanouts
  • Report Generation
  • Compliance Check (NOT INCLUDED)
Schedule Inspection

Not what you need? Check out the other home inspection services that we provide.

sewer lateral inspections are an important part of any real estate transactions and are required in some municipalities

What is a Sewer Lateral Inspection?

A Sewer Lateral Inspection is a specialized procedure conducted to assess the condition of the underground sewer line that runs from your home to the main sewer system. This is commonly known as the “lateral line.”

Understanding the state of your sewer lateral is critical for homeowners and real estate professionals alike, as issues within the sewer system can lead to expensive repairs and can significantly impact property value. At Golden Gate Home Inspections, we utilize state-of-the-art technology to provide a comprehensive view of your sewer lateral’s condition.

Sewer Lateral Inspections

sewer lateral inspections are an important part of property ownership

What does a Sewer Lateral Inspection include?

Sewer Lateral Inspection Overview - Informational Graphic

Visual Inspection

A certified inspector will perform a visual examination of accessible portions of the sewer lateral.

Pipe Material Assessment


Identifying the types of materials used in the sewer lateral (such as PVC, cast iron, clay) to determine susceptibility to certain types of damage or degradation.

Quotation

Our reports are PASS/FAIL reports with details about the issues in the sewer lateral inspection. If your sewer lateral requires replacement our licensed plumbing contractor will provide a no-obligation quote for replacement.

Camera Survey


A specialized camera is inserted into the sewer line to provide real-time video footage, allowing for a detailed assessment of the pipe’s condition.

Detailed Reporting


We provide a detailed report with findings, including video footage, descriptions of any issues discovered, and recommendations for repair or maintenance.

Frequently Asked Questions about sewer Lateral inspections

Frequently Asked Questions

The average cost of a sewer lateral inspection in the San Francisco Bay Area is $485 to $685. However, it can cost more if your situation is unique or there are complexities to performing the inspection.

A Sewer Lateral Inspection includes:

  • Visual Examination of the sewer elements visible above ground
  • A camera inspection with recorded video of the interior of the sewer lateral from the cleanout to the public sewer main
  • Data Analysis of the Resulting Recorded Video
  • A detailed report of the findings
  • A quote for repairs if deficiencies are located

A standard home inspection usually covers visible aspects of a home, such as the foundation, roof, and electrical systems.

A Sewer Lateral Inspection, on the other hand, focuses solely on the underground sewer line connecting your property to the main municipal sewer system, utilizing specialized equipment like high-resolution cameras.

A Sewer Lateral Inspection helps in the early detection of issues like blockages or leaks, which can save homeowners from expensive repair costs in the long run.

Our inspection reports are usually delivered 1 to 2 days after the inspection.

If you have a tight inspection contingency, same-day home inspection reports are possible at an additional fee of $100. 

Yes, if deficiencies are located, our Contractor will provide a quote for repairs in the form of a work order.

What people are saying
Google Rating
5.0
Based on 210 reviews
Facebook Rating
5.0
Based on 31 reviews
Yelp Rating
5.0
Based on 152 reviews
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The home inspector, Veronica Leung, was always punctual for our appointments. She ran a very thorough and complete inspection and was very detailed.

She also explained her reasons for the findings and I was able to correct or improve the most important issues. Veronica is personable, articulate, and most of all, knowledgeable in her craft. I would highly recommend Golden Gate Inspections for your reporting needs.
Suzanne C.
Home Buyer
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Consistently the best – highly communicative, kind, quick turnaround times. Jake was fantastic and we were very comfortable with him in the home as we worked/went about the day. Thorough and user-friendly reports. I’m a realtor and I always choose Golden Gate – not one complaint!
Karina B.
Realtor
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We had such a wonderful experience with these people. They helped us out on a holiday with a last-minute inspection. The person who answered the phone was the nicest ever. Jake did our inspection and he was also the nicest ever. He worked quickly and gave very clear recommendations. We would definitely use them again. We had such a wonderful experience with these people. They helped us out on a holiday with a last-minute inspection. The person who answered the phone was the nicest ever. Jake did our inspection and he was also the nicest ever. He worked quickly and gave very clear recommendations. We would definitely use them again.
Jasmine G.
Home Buyer
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Overall a great experience with Golden Gate Home Inspections.  Our inspector Len came on time, was professional, and knowledgeable. I had questions on a few items after the inspection and Len was able to come back to the property to address them.

Furthermore, Chris also followed up to check on how the inspection went and was super responsive and helpful in working me into their schedule.  I would recommend them!
Emily H.
Home Buyer

Protect Your Investment.
Schedule a Sewer Lateral Inspection Today

Schedule Inspection

Home Inspection Tips

We provide home inspections for home buyers, home sellers, and realtors.
Preparing for your home inspections can help ensure that the inspection goes smoothly.

Family in New Home

Tips for Home Buyers

As a homebuyer, we want to make sure that you get the most out of your home inspections. Here are some quick tips for home inspections for buyers:

• Attend the Inspection: Attending the home inspection is a good way to see the issues firsthand and get explanations about causes and possible solutions.

• Come Prepared: Write down any specific concerns about the property and/or questions to ask the inspector.

• Check Property Disclosures: Review the seller’s property disclosures before the inspection. Make sure to inform the inspector so that they can inspect those items specifically.

• Let the inspector work: Try to avoid unnecessary interruptions to the inspector so that they can focus and provide you with a thorough home inspection report.

• Ask questions at the end: Make sure to ask any questions that you have before the inspector leaves.

Getting a quality Home Inspection is an essential part of purchasing a home. This key part of the process of purchasing a home should never be overlooked as it can be the difference between a great purchase and a bad decision.

Our home inspections are an all-encompassing test of the condition of your home. We check all of the major systems of the home, test all of the appliances, and report on the general condition of the property. Because the purchase of a new home is such a significant decision it is essential that you use the home inspection to detect any costly repairs that may need to be made and to find out the true condition of the home. In the San Francisco Bay Area, many homes are decades old and have had multiple owners or tenants so you want to keep that in mind.

If you are concerned about the foundation, we can help. We have deep experience examining and assessing the many foundation types found here in the Bay Area and providing guidance on issues we may find. We have found through our foundation inspections that most homes in the bay area have some cracking in the foundation but not all cracking means you shouldn’t buy a home or you have to undertake a major foundation repair work. Let one of our experienced foundation inspectors take a look and give you some insight.

Termite Inspections are also recommended as it is focused specifically on wood-destroying pests and goes beyond the surface to find problems. Termite inspection reports also include pricing if any wood-destroying pests have been identified. The work order will have pricing for the eradication of the pests plus the repair of any wood damage they have caused.

Plumbing, roofing, wiring, and insulation issues can all be detected by one of our certified home inspectors and this can save you hundreds if not thousands of dollars on repairs. At Golden Gate Home Inspections we are in the business of not only saving you money but also helping you feel confident about your purchase and settling you into your new home in the San Francisco Bay area.

home inspections for home sellers

Tips for Home Sellers

Home inspections for Sellers or pre-listing inspections can help you understand any deficiencies that might affect your purchase price.

Selling your home can be stressful and the last thing you want is surprises. Surprises can negatively affect your transaction. 

Below are some tips that can help you get prepared for your home inspection and avoid receiving a home inspection report that is full of basic maintenance issues. We hope that these lists help you sell your home quickly and with the least amount of hassle. 

Here are some quick tips we recommend for your pre-listing inspection:

Before Inspection Day

Exterior

  • Clean debris from roof coverings, gutters, downspouts, and drains
  • Re-caulk exterior windows and doors
  • Repair any damaged masonry on walkways or steps
  • Repair any minor defects on the exterior surfaces
  • Replace any missing or damaged shingles on the roof
  • Seal driveway cracks

Interior

  • Repair leaking faucets and fixtures
  • Repair cracked and broken window panes
  • Have chimneys cleaned
  • Have a licensed electrician inspect receptacles and switches, then make any necessary repairs. Make sure to have GFCI outlets installed within 6′ of any water source
  • Re-caulk around bathtubs and sinks
  • Arrange service for your HVAC unit
  • Replace batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
  • Loosen any windows that are painted shut
  • Make sure all doors and windows open and shut smoothly

Disclosures and Warranties

  • Disclose any past fires, floods, moisture intrusion events and major repair work
  • Provide any building permits or plans for past or planned renovations
  • Provide invoices and warranties for any major improvements, such as, roofs, furnaces, hot water heaters, and appliances

Inspection Day

  • If the buyer will be present, we recommend that you be away from the house for the duration of the inspection
  • Clear entrances to any crawlspaces, attics, basements, storage sheds, or garage
  • Clear pathways to the furnace, water heater, and air conditioner
  • Provide keys for any locked doors
  • Keep any pets in a safe location or remove them from the property if necessary
Home Inspections for Real Estate Agents

Tips for Listing Agents

Home inspections are a key part of most real estate transactions, whether buying or selling. As a real estate agent, it’s important to understand how to navigate this process, which can help your clients get the most out of their home inspection. In fact, quality pre-listing home inspections can provide a smoother sales process with fewer headaches and stress. These inspections can help you get maintenance performed before the property hits the MLS and you have offers coming in while preserving your negotiating position.

Listing agents can play an important role in helping their client prepare their homes to go on the market. Staging and cosmetic improvements may come top of mind in terms of creating additional perceived value for the home. This is normal. However, sellers should also consider preparing their homes for the home inspection.

The results of pre-listing home inspections can affect the transaction by giving buyers the opportunity to use the issues located in the inspection report as leverage to negotiate a lower purchase price. And, in some cases, the deal may fall apart because of some of the findings in the home inspection.

Listing agents can help mitigate the need for these negotiations by helping your seller get prepared for a successful home inspection. By helping your client get prepared for the home inspection, you can help them avoid the headaches that can come from unexpected surprises.

So, aside from the cosmetic improvements and staging that you are planning, here are some other items to consider:

Safety Hazards

  • Test all Smoke Detectors, replacing batteries if necessary
  • Test or install CO Detectors. Make sure that one is present in between the kitchen and the bedrooms
  • Look for any electrical issues: GFCI outlets installed within 6′ of a water source, electrical outlets without covers, open junction boxes
  • Look for any mold-like substances and repair as possible
  • Look for any Trip Hazards on walking surfaces, interior or exterior, as well as steps and handrails
  • Open and close all windows in the property as they are a form of egress in case of emergency

Other Issues

  • Check for ceiling stains as they can indicate current or previous water damage issues
  • Check for leaky faucets, slow drains, and running toilets
  • Look for, repair, and paint any rotting exterior wood. This can alert you to signs of wood-destroying pests or structural damage prior to listing

Making repairs and getting those items cleared out of your home inspections report is a crucial step before uploading the report to the MLS.

With Golden Gate Home Inspections, we provide you with several ways to get your home inspection report cleared. Make sure to speak with our customer service team when you book your home inspections. They can provide you with the details necessary to list the property with as clean a report as possible.


Buyers Agent

Tips for Buyers Agents

Detailed and thorough home inspections can help provide your buyer with confidence that they need to move forward, maintenance tips, provide leverage during the negotiations, and avoid costly legal issues after the transaction is completed. Smart realtors use home inspections as a protective tool.

As a real estate agent, it’s important to understand how to navigate this process, which can help your clients get the most out of the home inspection. It can also help build trust between agents and their clients.

When it comes to buyer’s home inspections, one of the primary roles that you can play is in educating your buyer about the importance of getting an inspection.

This includes some of the following items:

  • Explaining the home inspection process and why it’s important
  • Setting expectations for your client
  • Helping your buyer understand the results of the home inspection report (don’t focus on the trivial)
  • Please DO attend the inspection
  • Please DO convey any specific issues you are aware of from the disclosures to the inspector so that they may take a deeper look
  • Please DON’T invite too many people to the inspection as this can be a distraction and cause items to be missed

In summary, a positive home inspection will pave the way for a smoother closing. Home inspections provide your clients with valuable knowledge and give your clients a chance to have the key issues noted in the report repaired. And in the end, your client will appreciate having a full understanding of the condition of their new home.


The Home Inspector’s Blog

Sewer Lateral Inspections
Home Inspections Tips | Home Maintenance and Improvement

Essential & Overlooked: The Complete Homeowner’s Guide to Sewer Lateral Inspections

ByGolden Gate Home Inspections

Discover the unseen yet vital aspect of home maintenance in our comprehensive guide on Sewer Lateral Inspections. Learn why these inspections are crucial for every homeowner, how they can save you from costly future repairs, and the legalities involved in maintaining your property’s sewer system. This guide delves into the importance of regular professional assessments, the risks and limitations of DIY inspections, and essential tips for preventative maintenance. Stay informed and protect your home by understanding the intricacies of sewer laterals – a key component of your property’s plumbing health.