The 'How-to' of Sewer Inspections
At NoVa Lining Company LLC, every sewer inspection begins long before a camera ever enters a pipe. Consistency, accuracy, and transparency are the cornerstones of our process, and we follow a stringent inspection protocol to ensure reliable results for every client, every time.
Thorough Fact-Finding Sets the Foundation
Each inspection starts with detailed fact-finding and a conversation with the client. Our team discusses access points, sewer system performance issues—such as unusual noises or slow drains—and whether the system has ever backed up or been previously inspected. When it comes to identifying access points, more information is always better. Understanding what the technician may encounter allows us to prepare properly before arriving on site.
Clients are asked about the presence and material of cleanouts. In Northern Virginia, cast iron cleanouts are common, and many have never been opened. In these cases, cutting the cap may be necessary to gain access. As an alternative, we confirm whether a basement toilet can serve as a secondary access point—particularly important for homeowners pursuing preventive inspections who may not want to incur the cost of modifying a cleanout.
Background Research That Drives Better Recommendations
Once preliminary information is gathered, the NoVa Lining team researches the property address in detail. We determine whether the homeowner is responsible for the sewer line all the way to the main or whether the municipality assumes responsibility beyond the property line. This distinction is critical, as it directly influences our assessment and recommendations.
In much of our service area, including the surrounding three counties, homeowners typically own the lateral all the way to the main—making potential excavations costly if lining is not an option. Clients rely on NoVa Lining Company LLC for honest, unbiased evaluations, and we deliver a comprehensive inspection package with every assessment.
Our research also includes identifying the home’s construction date and reviewing historical inspection data from nearby properties. This allows us to anticipate pipe materials and conditions before we arrive, ensuring a more efficient and informed inspection.
Preparation and Equipment: Setting Technicians Up for Success
Proper preparation makes all the difference. Each inspection technician is outfitted with the tools and materials needed to handle virtually any scenario encountered in the field. This includes brass and plastic cleanout caps in the most common sizes—3", 3.5", and 4"— along with multiple wax and rubber toilet rings, spare toilet bolts, drop cloths, and shop vacuums.
Technicians carry standard plumbing tools, as well as a custom cleanout removal kit designed to handle even the most stubborn or corroded caps. This heavy-duty kit includes star, slot, and square fittings and a reinforced T-handle torque bar for maximum leverage.
Before leaving the shop, every technician verifies camera operation, power supply, and battery life. NoVa Lining operates multiple lateral camera systems, with backup units assigned to each crew, ensuring inspections are never delayed due to equipment issues.
On-Site Setup and Professional Execution
Clients are notified before arrival and informed about what to expect during the inspection. Upon entering the home, technicians use protective boot covers and survey the site to determine the best access point. If conditions differ from what was initially described— such as a cleanout being undersized or obstructed—the technician adapts accordingly. When necessary, inspections can be performed from the lowest toilet in the system.
Once access is confirmed, the technician brings in all required equipment. If a toilet must be removed, the area is carefully protected. The camera monitor is positioned for easy viewing, allowing the technician or an assistant to closely observe the inspection in real time.
Performing a High-Quality Sewer Inspection
Preparation alone does not guarantee results—the inspection itself must be executed with precision. One of the most important principles NoVa Lining emphasizes is to slow down. Advancing the camera too quickly can obscure critical details such as offsets, joints, and connections, and it compromises video quality.
Before recording begins, the technician displays the property address and inspector name on the screen. The inspection starts with a clear view of the access point, after which the camera is slowly advanced into the pipe. Once past the flange or cleanout, the camera is zeroed and pushed forward at a controlled pace. Any significant defects—roots, offsets, or structural issues—are paused, documented, and photographed as needed.
If sludge buildup interferes with visibility, water may be run from nearby fixtures to clear the line. In all cases, NoVa Lining records two full inspections: one forward and one in reverse. The reverse inspection often provides the clearest footage, particularly in uncleaned pipes.
When necessary, pipe locating is performed after both recordings are complete to identify defect locations or plan for future cleanout installations or lining work.
Delivering a Top-Tier Inspection Package
Once the inspection is complete, the technician cleans the site, reviews findings with the homeowner if requested, and uploads the videos from the field using mobile Wi-Fi. From there, the office team takes over.
Every inspection is reviewed by a NASSCO-certified pipe inspector, who produces a detailed written assessment. Recommendations may include maintenance, rehabilitation, or replacement, depending on the findings. Whether the client is a private homeowner, commercial property owner, or a government entity—such as VA hospitals or municipal agencies—NoVa Lining Company LLC maintains the same rigorous standards.
Clients receive a secure download package containing inspection videos, a written report, and supporting photographs for their records.
A Commitment to Excellence
A proper sewer inspection involves far more than simply running a camera through a pipe. It requires preparation, attention to detail, technical expertise, and a commitment to accuracy. At NoVa Lining Company LLC, this comprehensive approach allows us to deliver dependable, high-quality inspections and condition assessments for clients of all types— setting the standard for excellence in the region.