Permit and Code Essentials for Trenchless Projects: What Inspectors Check
Trenchless repairs solve tough sewer problems without tearing up lawns, driveways, or slabs. Permits still apply, and inspectors still expect clean, code-compliant work. A solid plan avoids red tags, keeps neighbors happy, and protects your home value. This guide breaks down the permits you’ll likely need in the Orlando area, what inspectors review before, during, and after the job, and the code details that most often trigger rework.
Permits you usually need for residential trenchless work
Cities and counties around Orlando treat trenchless lining, bursting, and sectional repairs as plumbing work. Projects in the right-of-way add ROW permits and traffic control plans.
- Plumbing Permit: Covers CIPP lining, sectional point repairs, spot replacements, and cleanout installs.
- Right-of-Way (ROW) Permit: Required for work in streets, sidewalks, and public easements. Expect a Maintenance of Traffic (MOT) plan.
- Bypass Pumping/Discharge Approval: Needed if you set up bypass lines or discharge to a sewer manhole.
- Tree or Landscaping Clearance (case-by-case): Needed if work touches protected trees or medians.
- HOA Approval (where applicable): Many HOAs want a simple notice with dates and access points.
Tip: Homes inside city limits pull permits from the City of Orlando; homes in unincorporated areas pull permits from Orange County or the relevant county (Osceola, Seminole, Lake). Corner lots and shared alleys often fall inside ROW rules, so plan for it.
Submittals inspectors expect before work starts
Clean paperwork sets the tone and speeds approvals.
- Scope narrative: Plain-language summary of the exact work: “Rehab 35 ft of 4-in building sewer via CIPP from cleanout to property line; install new downstream cleanout.”
- Pre-liner CCTV report: Timestamped video with distances, pipe size, and material. Mark breaks, offsets, roots, and tie-ins.
- Product data and standards: Show that your liner, resin, calibration tube, and couplings meet common standards (ASTM F1216 for CIPP, ASTM F2561 for sectional repair).
- Site sketch: Show the building, cleanouts, property line, ROW, driveways, trees, and utilities. Add depths if known.
- MOT/traffic plan (ROW only): Reference Florida Standard Plans (Index 600 series) lane closures, cones, and flaggers.
- Bypass plan: Describe pump size, hose routing, backflow controls, and spill prevention.
Field items inspectors check on the day of work
Inspectors want safe access, correct materials, and a controlled process. Crews that set the site well rarely get extra questions.
- Utility locates visible: Paint and flags for sewer, water, gas, electric, and communications. Call 811 before digging.
- Access and safety: Safe trench edges, shoring if needed, and protected walkways. No trip hazards around hoses and reels.
- Clean, square cuts: Straight pipe ends, no jagged edges. Bevel the PVC spigot to protect gaskets.
- Correct transition couplers: Shielded, stainless-band types sized for cast iron ↔ PVC or clay ↔ PVC transitions.
- Liner wet-out and cure control: Resin batch labels, ambient and cure temperatures, and cure time log. Steam or hot-water cure stays within spec. UV cure shows proper exposure and speed.
- Bypass integrity: Tight hose runs, covers on crossings, and odor control.
- Cleanouts and access: Upright, capped, and within required spacing for your pipe size.
Code details that most often trigger a red tag
Small misses add days to a project. Crews that hit these details pass the first time.
- Slope and flow: Building drains and building sewers must keep a minimum slope for the pipe size. Inspectors often spot flat spots on the camera.
- Cleanout spacing and location: Cleanouts need to sit at the base of each stack and at required intervals in long runs. Caps must be accessible.
- Backwater valve in low fixtures: Basements, sunken baths, or any fixture below the next upstream manhole need protection against backflow.
- Joint transitions: Unshielded rubber sleeves cause leaks and root intrusion. Shielded couplers with stainless shear bands hold alignment.
- Penetrations and sleeves: Pipes through foundations need sleeves and proper sealing.
- Vents and traps intact: Lining must not block vent takeoffs or reduce trap arms.
- Property line separation: Many jurisdictions require a cleanout near the property line for future access.
- Material listings: Liners, resins, and couplers need listings or standards that match the submittals.
Inspection flow that keeps your project moving
A simple rhythm keeps everyone aligned.
- Pre-cover inspection: Inspector reviews access pits, couplers, cleanouts, slope checks, liner logs, and safety.
- Post-cure checks: Crew reinstates tie-ins and services. The inspector may spot-check cut-outs for smooth edges.
- Acceptance CCTV: Final video shows a centered liner, smooth joints, no fins or wrinkles, clear tie-ins, and proper flow.
- Backfill/restore: Compact lifts, protect the joint, and restore the slab or hardscape.
- Closeout package: Submit post-liner CCTV, cure logs, product data, and photos of restored surfaces if requested.
How to avoid schedule slips in Orlando’s climate
Summer storms spike the water table and saturate the sand. That extra groundwater can slow a hot-water or steam cure.
- Choose cure windows with stable weather.
- Keep pumps and generators fueled and tested.
- Stage extra hoses and gaskets so rain doesn’t stall reinstatements.
- Cover trenches and access pits before afternoon storms.
- Protect sidewalks and pavers with plates and boards to prevent marks.
Myths that trip up homeowners and contractors
- “Trenchless work doesn’t need a permit.” Jurisdictions still treat it as plumbing work. Inspectors still want proof that the system works.
- “Any rubber sleeve will do.” Shielded couplers save you from leaks, offsets, and callbacks.
- “CIPP always reduces flow.” A centered liner with a smooth surface often flows better than rough cast iron with scale and offsets.
- “One video is enough.” Pre- and post-CCTV protect you and speed approval.
- “Rain won’t matter.” Groundwater and hydrostatic pressure can ruin a cure or flood an access pit.
What a good contractor handles for you
Permits and inspections feel like extra steps. A seasoned trenchless crew treats them as part of the repair.
- Pulls the correct permits for your address
- Coordinates ROW access and traffic control if needed
- Submits product data and cure logs
- Records clear CCTV with distance markers
- Schedules inspections and meets the inspector on site
- Restores hardscape and landscaping to a tidy finish
FAQs: Permits and Inspections for Trenchless Sewer Repair
1) Do I need a permit to reline a sewer under my slab?
Yes. Trenchless lining counts as plumbing work. The permit documents the repair and protects your resale value.
2) Who issues the permit for my address?
Homes inside Orlando city limits use the City of Orlando. Unincorporated addresses use the county office. Our team checks your parcel and pulls the right permit.
3) Will the city require a right-of-way permit?
Yes, if work touches the street, sidewalk, or public easement. That permit covers traffic control and restoration.
4) What does the inspector want to see on inspection day?
Utility locates, access points, clean cuts, shielded couplers, cure logs, and a safe site. A pre-liner and post-liner CCTV help wrap it up fast.
5) Can trenchless repairs pass inspection during the rainy season?
Yes. Crews adjust cure plans, manage bypass pumping, and protect access pits. Schedule flexibility helps dodge severe storms.
Need a code-compliant trenchless repair and a smooth inspection? We Fix Drains handles permits, paperwork, and the work itself. Call 407-426-9955 for fast help in Orlando, FL and surrounding areas.