Sewer Inspection and Cleaning in Florissant, MO
Independent sewer camera inspection, diagnostics, line locating, hydro jetting and sewer cleaning for Florissant properties. Get clear evidence of what is happening inside your sewer line before you apply to the City’s lateral program, buy a home, or approve major work.
- Camera inspection with documented findings
- Cleaning and hydro jetting when the evidence supports it
- Locally owned and family-operated since 2011
Request a Sewer Inspection
Tell us what is going on. We will follow up during business hours.
Step 1 of 4
What happens next
- Send your request or call us
- We schedule your inspection
- You review the recorded findings
For sewage backing up into your home or any problem with the public sewer, contact MSD first at (314) 768-6260.
Key takeaways
- MSD handles repairs to the public sewer, and the lateral line from your building, including its connection to the public sewer, is private property that the owner maintains and repairs.
- Florissant’s Sewer Lateral Insurance Program covers repair of a defective residential lateral from the main to within five feet of the home’s foundation, funded by a $50 annual fee on the real estate tax bill. The part inside the home and within five feet of it stays the owner’s.
- A sewer camera inspection gives you recorded evidence before you clean, buy, or approve major work.
Services in Florissant
Sewer Inspection, Diagnostics and Cleaning Services in Florissant
Sewer Camera Inspection
See recorded video of the accessible sewer line. An inspection can help identify observed conditions and support an informed next-step decision.
Best when you want to see what is inside the line.
Sewer Cleaning
Remove buildup and obstructions from sewer lines when cleaning is appropriate. A camera inspection can help document line conditions before or after cleaning.
Best when a line is slow or partly blocked.
Hydro Jetting
Use high-pressure water to clear eligible sewer lines. Whether jetting is appropriate depends on the line’s observed condition.
Best when buildup keeps returning.
Sewer Cleaning & Camera Inspection
Combine cleaning with visual documentation of the line. See what was observed and whether cleaning changed the conditions visible on camera.
Best when you want proof of what cleaning changed.
Sewer Line Locating
Help identify the route of an accessible sewer line and locate a specific area when conditions allow. Useful when planning evaluation or work.
Best when you need to know where the line runs.
Drain Cleaning
Address buildup or blockages in drain lines, sinks, tubs and fixtures. The service focuses on the affected drain and the reported symptoms.
Best when one sink, tub or fixture is clogged.
Pre-Purchase Sewer Inspection
Get a visual assessment of accessible portions of the sewer line before buying a property. The findings can help inform your due diligence.
Best when you are buying a home.
Recurring Sewer Backup Diagnosis
Investigate recurring backups and document conditions observed during the inspection. Findings can help clarify what may be contributing to the problem.
Best when backups keep coming back.
Preventative Sewer Maintenance
Arrange sewer inspection or cleaning based on the line’s condition and needs. Recommendations should be guided by observed evidence.
Best when you want to stay ahead of problems.
Not sure which service you need?
Tell us what is happening and we will point you to the right inspection or cleaning.
Who is responsible for what
Who is responsible for the sewer line at a Florissant property?
For a property on the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District (MSD) system, the lateral line that connects your building to the public sewer, including its connection, is private property, and MSD says the owner is responsible for maintaining and repairing it. The public sewer is MSD’s side: when a reported cave-in is traced to the public sewer, the City of Florissant says MSD makes the repair.
Public - MSD
The public sewer
MSD runs the public sewer system serving Florissant. The City’s lateral program page says that after a cave-in or sinkhole is reported, the City asks MSD to run a dye test, and that MSD makes the necessary repairs if the hole is connected to the public sewer. Which utility serves a specific address should be confirmed by address.
Private - Owner
The lateral line
The pipe from your building to the public sewer is private property. Clogs, roots, grease and damage on it are the owner’s to address. Florissant’s City program helps pay for repair of a defective residential lateral from the main to within five feet of the home’s foundation. The homeowner is responsible for the part inside the home and within five feet of it.
Scroll horizontally to see the full table.
| Question | Public sewer | Private lateral line |
|---|---|---|
| Who owns it | MSD’s public system. | The property owner. MSD states the lateral line and its connection to the public sewer are private property. |
| Who maintains and repairs it | MSD makes repairs when a dye test shows a cave-in is connected to the public sewer, per the City’s program page. | The property owner. The City’s program can cover repair of a defective section from the main to within five feet of the home’s foundation. |
| Who to contact first | MSD at (314) 768-6260 for a building backup. MSD says a representative will inspect to see whether the situation qualifies for its limited building-backup assistance program. | For a sinkhole or the City program, the Florissant Engineering Division at (314) 839-7643. For cleaning or inspection of your lateral, you arrange it. |
| What help exists | MSD crews for urgent public sewer reports | The City’s lateral program, subject to its eligibility rules, deposit and review. |
| Where an inspection helps | Not applicable | A camera inspection documents the line’s condition and where along the line a problem sits. |
This is general information from MSD and City of Florissant sources, not legal advice. We did not find a published rule on who owns the part of a lateral under the street, so we only repeat MSD’s general statement and the City’s program boundary. Contact MSD or the City to confirm how it applies to your address.
Sewers in Florissant
How sewers work in Florissant, and what MSD has built here
MSD says most of St. Louis County is served by a separate sewer system, while St. Louis City is served by a combined one.
That is MSD’s county-level description. MSD’s page does not label every Florissant parcel, so treat it as background rather than a finding about your address.
MSD’s Brookshire Sanitary Relief project page describes replacing undersized and deteriorated wastewater sewer in Florissant’s Wedgewood neighborhood, about 6,000 feet of new pipe, to reduce basement backups and sewer overflows. The page lists construction from September 2020 to October 2021 and restoration in February 2022. It does not state a current status.
MSD’s wastewater project list also shows a Lindsay Lane Sanitary Relief project in Florissant, on Lindsay Lane between Lindbergh Boulevard and Mary Ann Court, listed as Spring 2026 - Summer 2027 (tentative). Check MSD for the current status.
A public sewer project does not tell you the condition of any individual property’s lateral. Only an inspection of your line can show that.
Housing age and your lateral
Mid-century homes, and what a camera can find
The City of Florissant’s 2026-2030 Consolidated Plan reports 21,229 housing units in the city and says the vast majority of the housing stock was built between 1950 and 1979, citing the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2024 American Community Survey 5-year estimates. That figure describes the city as a whole, not every address MSD serves.
Housing age does not tell you what pipe is in your lateral. Neither MSD nor the City publishes a pipe material or installation era for Florissant, so the only way to know the condition of your line is to look at it.
A drain that still works is not proof of a sound pipe, and a blockage is not proof of a broken one. The City’s own program rules show why the difference matters: it lists small defects and hairline cracks, and lines that are open and serviceable, among the reasons an application can be denied, and it says the program is not a substitute for regular maintenance. A camera shows which situation your line is in.
Housing-age figure: City of Florissant 2026-2030 Consolidated Plan (Housing Market Analysis), citing U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024 5-year estimates. Program statements: City of Florissant Sewer Lateral Insurance Program page. The table is general context, not a finding about any one home.
Scroll horizontally to see the full table.
| What a camera can find | What it looks like | Why it matters in Florissant |
|---|---|---|
| Cracks or breaks | A split or missing section of pipe wall | The City lists small defects and hairline cracks as possible reasons to deny a program application. |
| Joint separation | A gap or offset where two pipe sections meet | Where along the line the problem sits matters: the program covers the main to within five feet of the foundation. |
| Roots | Fine roots entering at a gap or joint | The City says routine maintenance may mean annual cabling, especially with large trees or bushes. |
| Blockage with an intact pipe | Grease or debris with no visible defect | The City can deny an application when the line is open and serviceable. Cleaning, not repair, may be what the line needs. |
| A problem near the house | A defect close to the foundation | The City lists a blockage under the home or within five feet of the foundation as a reason to deny. |
Know who to call
Public problem or private line? Start with the right contact.
MSD tells customers with a building backup to call it so it can inspect. MSD lists raw sewage inside or outside a house, missing manhole covers and flooded streets as urgent reports.
If MSD or a plumber points to your lateral, or you want proof of its condition, that is where an independent camera inspection helps.
MSD building backup line
(314) 768-6260Published by MSD for building backups so it can inspect whether the situation qualifies for its limited assistance program. This is MSD’s number, not ours.
City of Florissant Engineering Division
(314) 839-7643The City directs residents to its Engineering Division, at (314) 839-7643, to report a cave-in or sinkhole, so the City can ask MSD for a dye test, and for questions about the Sewer Lateral Insurance Program. The City’s Public Works department lists (314) 839-7648 for permit questions, including whether a plumbing or excavation permit applies to a planned project. These are the City’s numbers, not ours.
The Sewer Pros
Inspection, locating and cleaning for your private lateral. (314) 821-1600, Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 4:00 pm.
City lateral program
Using an inspection with Florissant’s Sewer Lateral Insurance Program
Florissant’s program covers the cost of repairing a defective residential sanitary sewer lateral, from the main sewer line to within five feet of the home’s foundation. The homeowner is responsible for repair or replacement inside the home and within five feet of it. The City funds the program with a $50 annual fee on the real estate property tax bill.
The City says the program makes spot repairs, usually about 10 feet, and is not there to replace an entire lateral or to prevent future defects. It also says the program is not a substitute for regular maintenance.
What the City program covers
- Repair of a defective residential sanitary sewer lateral that connects to the main sewer system, from the main to within five feet of the home’s foundation
- Covering the repaired site with clean fill rock and soil, and seeding it
What it does not cover
- The part of the lateral under the home or within five feet of the foundation
- Septic tank systems and private treatment systems, which are not eligible
- Replacing trees, shrubs, flowers, sod, decks, concrete work (except public sidewalk and street work), retaining walls or outbuildings damaged during the repair
- Commercial, industrial and larger multi-family properties. The City’s page says the program does not apply to multi-family properties with more than six dwelling units, and separately says it does not apply to condominium units with six or more units. The two wordings differ at exactly six units, so ask the Engineering Division how your building is treated.
How the process works, in the City’s words
Step 1
A qualifying reason to apply
The City says you can apply after the City or MSD confirms a cave-in on your lateral, or if you have recurring backups that regular maintenance cannot resolve and you have paid the annual lateral fee. No prior plumbing inspection is required.
Step 2
Apply and pay the deposit
The City charges a $300 deposit to apply. No deposit is required for an application that follows a positive MSD dye test.
Step 3
The City’s contracted plumber evaluates the line
The plumber makes an appointment, does a cable and camera evaluation, and reports to the City. The City Engineer reviews the video report.
Step 4
Approved or denied
If approved, the City sends a tentative repair date, and its crew excavates, repairs, backfills and seeds the site. The City says the average time from approval to repair is about two weeks and that wait times vary. The $300 deposit is reimbursed after the repair. If the application is denied, the City keeps the deposit for the plumber’s inspection and clerical costs.
The City lists these among the possible reasons for denial: a blockage under the home or within five feet of the foundation, small defects or hairline cracks, a line that is open and in serviceable condition, and a request meant to satisfy a home sale contingency. The City treats a lateral so clogged that cabling by a plumber or drainlayer fails and nothing can pass as an emergency repair, moved to the front of the list after approvals and utility locating. On repair day the City needs access to outdoor water and electricity and an adult 18 or older at the home.
The City’s page is undated. It does not state a maximum benefit or current funding status. Confirm current terms, the fee, the deposit and funding with the Engineering Division at (314) 839-7643 before you apply.
See our sewer lateral inspection & reporting service for the St. Louis area.
Independent sewer inspection & second opinions
Before You Approve an Expensive Sewer Repair, Get an Opinion With Nothing to Sell
A sewer backup or major repair recommendation can make a costly decision feel urgent. The Sewer Pros inspects and documents the condition inside your sewer line so you can understand what is actually happening before you approve cleaning, excavation, lining, or replacement.
Because we do not perform sewer repairs or replacements, we do not profit from selling you the work. Our role is to give you clear video evidence, straightforward findings, and an honest opinion you can use to make the next decision.
Already received a repair recommendation? Bring us in for an independent second opinion before you sign off on major work.
Step 1
Inspect
We use a sewer camera to examine the line for blockages, roots, damage, offsets, standing water, and other visible conditions.
Step 2
Document
Receive video evidence and clear findings that show what was observed inside the line, so you are not forced to rely only on a verbal repair recommendation.
Step 3
Decide
Use the findings to determine whether the issue calls for cleaning, monitoring, a repair estimate, or another qualified opinion, without pressure to buy a repair from us.
Buying in Florissant
Sewer inspection before buying a Florissant home
A sewer camera inspection shows the visible condition of the lateral before you close. Ask your home inspector what their inspection covers. A sewer scope is a separate, focused inspection of the sewer line.
The City of Florissant says a property can be sold “as is” without a City inspection. The buyer is then responsible for obtaining and paying for the inspection and an occupancy permit before anyone moves in or occupies the property. The occupancy page we reviewed does not mention sewers, so a buyer who wants evidence of the lateral has to ask for it. The City also says its Sewer Lateral Insurance Program is not intended to satisfy a home sale contingency and that a pending sale does not move a repair up the list. A new owner can be eligible if the real estate taxes are paid in full. If a repair is approved but may be done after closing, the City requires the new owner to confirm in writing that they know of and support the planned repair. Ask your agent and the Engineering Division how that fits your timeline. Findings are informational and not legal advice.
For agents and inspectors
Working with real estate professionals
We are affiliated with the St. Louis Association of Realtors, ASHI, the Women’s Council of Realtors and St. Charles Realtors. We provide video when a camera is used, and written findings. Findings are informational and not legal advice.
Nearby service areas
Serving the wider St. Louis area
Florissant is in St. Louis County, and St. Louis City is a separate jurisdiction with its own rules. Lateral programs and sewer details differ by municipality, so terms and costs change from place to place.
What our customers say
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Common questions
Florissant sewer questions, answered
Who is responsible for a sewer lateral in Florissant?
MSD states that the lateral line and its connection to the public sewer are private property, so the property owner is responsible for maintaining and repairing them. Florissant’s lateral program can pay for qualifying repairs under its own rules, but it is a cost program, not a change in who owns the lateral. Sources: MSD lateral line page; City of Florissant program page.
What part of the lateral does Florissant’s program cover?
The City says the program covers a defective residential sanitary sewer lateral from the main sewer line to within five feet of the home’s foundation. The homeowner is responsible for repair or replacement inside the home and within five feet of it. Source: City of Florissant program page.
Does the program replace the whole lateral?
No. The City says the program makes spot repairs, usually about 10 feet, and is not there to replace the entire lateral or to prevent future defects. A blockage under the home or within five feet of the foundation is listed among the reasons an application can be denied. Source: City of Florissant program page.
What does it cost to apply?
The City funds the program with a $50 annual fee on the real estate property tax bill. Applying takes a $300 deposit, which the City reimburses after an approved repair and keeps for the plumber’s inspection and clerical costs if the application is denied. No deposit is required for an application that follows a positive MSD dye test. Confirm current amounts with the Engineering Division. Source: City of Florissant program page.
What happens if a sinkhole opens near my Florissant home?
Contact the City’s Engineering Division, which asks MSD to run a dye test. The City says MSD makes the necessary repairs if the hole is connected to the public sewer. If it is connected to your private lateral, you can apply to the City’s program without a deposit. If the test is negative for both, the City says the cause is something else, such as rotting tree roots, erosion or animal burrowing, and the homeowner is responsible for filling the hole. Source: City of Florissant program page.
Does the program cover septic systems, condominiums or multi-family buildings?
Septic tank and private treatment systems are not eligible, though a $50 fee may still appear on the tax bill; the City says refunds may be requested from January 1 through December 31 for the previous paid tax year. The program does not apply to commercial or industrial property. The City’s page says it does not apply to multi-family properties with more than six dwelling units and, separately, to condominium units with six or more units. Those two wordings differ at exactly six units, so ask the Engineering Division about your building. Source: City of Florissant program page.
Can a home sale speed up a lateral repair?
No. The City says a pending home sale does not expedite a repair and that the program is not intended to satisfy a home sale contingency. A new owner can be eligible if the real estate taxes are paid in full, and must confirm in writing support for an approved repair that may continue past closing. Source: City of Florissant program page.
Do buyers need a City inspection in Florissant?
The City says a property can be sold “as is” without a City inspection, but the buyer must then obtain and pay for the inspection and an occupancy permit before anyone moves in or occupies the property. The page does not mention sewers, so a buyer who wants evidence of the lateral has to ask for it. Source: City of Florissant occupancy inspection page.
What does a sewer camera inspection show?
It can reveal blockages, root intrusion, separated joints, offsets, cracks, standing water and other observable conditions in accessible sewer piping, recorded on video.
Do you repair or replace sewer lines?
No. We inspect, locate, diagnose and clean. That independence is the point: our recommendations are not built around selling a repair.
Evidence before expensive decisions
Schedule a sewer camera inspection in Florissant.
Schedule a camera inspection when you are dealing with recurring backups, slow drains, unexplained blockages, a City lateral program question, or a Florissant property you plan to buy. You get video evidence of visible conditions inside the accessible line.
We document what the camera shows and explain the findings in plain language, so you can decide whether the evidence points to cleaning, monitoring, or further evaluation.
- See the visible condition of the line on video
- Receive documented findings you can review
- Choose your next step without a repair sale
Request service
Step 1 of 4
Sources
- MSD Project Clear: Lateral line (updated August 19, 2025)
- MSD Project Clear: Sewer backups (updated August 19, 2025)
- MSD Project Clear: Brookshire Sanitary Relief (updated August 20, 2025)
- MSD Project Clear: Wastewater system improvements (updated August 7, 2026; Lindsay Lane schedule tentative)
- City of Florissant: Sewer Lateral Insurance Program (undated)
- City of Florissant: Engineering Division (undated)
- City of Florissant: Permits (undated)
- City of Florissant: Occupancy Inspection (undated)
- City of Florissant: 2026-2030 Consolidated Plan (cites U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024 5-year estimates)
Last reviewed: October 2, 2026. Official guidance can change, so confirm details with MSD or the City for your address.