Building Surveys

There are many ways to inspect a Sanitary Sewer System to determine defects and their locations. Among these are Smoke Testing, Dyed-Water Testing, and Closed-Circuit TV Inspections. Frequently though, even these methods cannot conclusively locate every defect on private property. In these cases, door-to-door surveys are performed. The goal of building surveys is to determine potential Inflow and Infiltration areas: breaks, cracks, or defects in the sewer line that might permit escape of dangerous gases into a residence, or influx of stormwater into the sewer line.

(Pictured is a sump pump with a foundation drain emptying into it. A building survey team will attempt to determine whether the sump is emptying into the Sanitary Sewer System.)

Typically, a building survey team consists of two persons.  Special provisions are made to assure homeowners of the legitimacy of the survey and to communicate the importance of the information needed. You may see a press release, door-hanger information flyers, well-identified field vehicles, and photo ID badges.

Usually, a minimum of three attempts are made when an owner or occupant is not at home and it is apparent that the property contains a basement. Subsequent attempts to survey are made on different days and at different times if possible. After three unsuccessful attempts, a door-hanger is left and follow-up telephone calls may be made. In general, such surveys proceed very smoothly!

(In the graphic pictured here, wastewater is seeping up through a drain in the stairwell)