Pre‑Sale Sewer & Utility Checks In Mountain View

Sewer lines and utility hookups rarely make the highlight reel, but they can make or break your sale. If you are buying or selling in Mountain View, a smooth escrow starts with knowing how the City handles sewer lateral checks and what else to review before closing. In this guide, you will learn when inspections are required, what they cost, how long they take, and how to plan your timeline. Let’s dive in.

What Mountain View requires

Mountain View ties sewer lateral video inspections to certain building and land‑development actions. The City’s Wastewater Section must observe the CCTV inspection and then retains the video for review. The City typically completes its review in about two business days after the inspection is submitted. See the City’s detailed guidance in the official CCTV inspection information. Mountain View’s CCTV inspection guide

There does not appear to be a separate “point‑of‑sale” private sewer lateral program that automatically triggers at closing. You are not required by the City to provide a sewer certificate at sale. Responsibility for inspections and repairs is set by your contract and by any permits you apply for. Mountain View’s CCTV inspection guide

When a City‑observed CCTV is needed

If you pursue permits tied to building or land‑development work, the City may require a City‑observed sewer camera run and will retain the recording. If you are only selling a home without pulling a related permit, the City does not automatically require a sewer inspection at the point of sale. Many sellers still choose to scope the line before listing to avoid surprises for buyers. Mountain View’s CCTV inspection guide

How a sewer CCTV works here

• Confirm there is a property‑line sewer cleanout. If it is missing, you must install one under a City permit before the City will observe your camera run.
• Hire a California‑licensed plumbing contractor with a color camera that records to USB or DVD and can locate the camera in the pipe.
• Schedule with the City’s Wastewater Section. Inspections are commonly set on Wednesday mornings. A City representative observes the run, takes the media, and the City reviews and uploads results within about two business days. Mountain View’s CCTV inspection guide

If roots or debris block the line, the City recommends cleaning first, then rescheduling the camera run. Work in the public right‑of‑way requires the proper permits. You can find permitting contacts and encroachment details on the City’s Land Development page. Public Works Land Development

What inspectors look for

City documents focus on process, but across Bay Area programs, camera inspections commonly flag issues such as root intrusion, cracks or breaks, sags, offset joints, illicit connections, missing cleanouts, and leaks. For context on typical defects inspectors call out in municipal programs, review an example from a nearby city’s code. This is not Mountain View law, but it shows common criteria inspectors use. Typical defect criteria example

Timing and escrow planning

Plan at least several days to schedule a camera run and allow the City’s two‑business‑day review. If repairs are needed, add time for permits and contractor availability. Simple projects can wrap in days to a couple of weeks. Complex repairs that involve the street, deep lines, or long laterals can take several weeks. Build this time into your contract dates. Mountain View’s CCTV inspection guide

What it might cost

• Sewer camera inspection: often about 200 to 600 dollars in the Bay Area, depending on access and whether cleaning is needed first. Typical inspection cost range
• Repairs or replacement: minor cleaning or spot repairs can be under 1,000 to 3,000 dollars. Full lateral replacements often run 5,000 to 15,000 dollars or more, depending on depth, length, surface restoration, and method. Local permit examples show jobs in the 6,000 to 14,000 dollar range are common. Always get multiple bids. Bay Area permit examples

Who pays and how to structure it

Without a point‑of‑sale mandate, payment is negotiated. Many sellers order a pre‑listing scope and address issues early. In escrow, buyers and sellers can agree to seller‑paid repairs before close, credits or price adjustments, or post‑close work if allowed by the contract. If you apply for permits that require sewer compliance, the owner associated with that permit must complete required work for approval. Mountain View’s CCTV inspection guide

Other utility checks before you sell

• Water: Confirm meter condition and look for leaks, especially irrigation. For any needed permits or backflow questions, coordinate with Public Works. Public Works Land Development
• Gas and electric: Set your move dates with the utility well before closing. Use the official portal to avoid third‑party scams. Start, stop, or transfer PG&E service
• Electrical service: Consider a panel and grounding check during inspections. Permit any safety repairs.
• Internet and cable: Schedule activation ahead of move‑in.
• Septic: Most Mountain View homes connect to the City sewer. If a property has septic, loop in County health and permitting.

Pre‑sale checklists

For sellers

• Order a pre‑listing sewer scope from a licensed plumbing contractor.
• If needed, install a property‑line cleanout under permit before any City‑observed CCTV.
• If defects appear, get multiple bids and confirm permit needs with Public Works.
• Keep receipts and a copy of the video for buyers and escrow. Mountain View’s CCTV inspection guide

For buyers

• Add a sewer scope to your inspection contingency, especially for older homes or tree‑lined lots.
• Ask the seller for any past maintenance records or camera videos.
• If issues arise, obtain bids, confirm permits, and negotiate credits or repairs. Public Works Land Development

How we help

A smooth sale is about planning and precision. With a curated vendor network and hands‑on project management, we help you schedule the right inspections, interpret findings, and coordinate permits and repairs so your timeline stays intact. When you are ready to list or buy in Mountain View, reach out to Vicki Ferrando for trusted, end‑to‑end guidance.

FAQs

Does Mountain View require sewer replacement at sale?

• Mountain View does not appear to have a point‑of‑sale sewer lateral mandate; City‑observed CCTV is tied to certain permits, and responsibility is set in your contract. Mountain View’s CCTV inspection guide

How long does the City’s CCTV review take?

• The Wastewater Section typically reviews and uploads results within about two business days after the inspection. Mountain View’s CCTV inspection guide

What if there is no property‑line cleanout?

• You must install a property‑line cleanout under a City permit before the City will observe the CCTV inspection. Mountain View’s CCTV inspection guide

Who owns the sewer lateral and pays for repairs?

• Private laterals are typically the owner’s responsibility up to the City connection; payment during a sale is negotiated unless tied to a permit requirement. City planning document reference

How much can sewer work cost in Mountain View?

• Camera inspections often run 200 to 600 dollars, minor fixes 1,000 to 3,000 dollars, and full replacements 5,000 to 15,000 dollars or more; get local bids. Typical inspection cost range Bay Area permit examples

When should I transfer PG&E service for a move?

• Submit start, stop, or transfer requests before closing and use the official utility portal for secure scheduling. PG&E service portal