Commercial Sewer Inspection in Miami | DERM SSES

Commercial sewer surveys are commonly required for properties with lift stations or larger sanitary sewer systems, including office buildings, shopping centers, apartment communities, industrial facilities, healthcare campuses, schools, hotels, and condominium associations. If you’re unsure whether your property falls under Miami-Dade County inspection requirements, our team can help you determine the appropriate inspection schedule and services.

A commercial sewer inspection typically consists of a Sanitary Sewer Evaluation Survey (SSES) designed to assess the condition and performance of a property’s sanitary sewer collection system. Depending on the property’s configuration and applicable Miami-Dade County requirements, the inspection may include CCTV video inspection of gravity sewer lines, manhole inspections, lift station evaluations, and a review of the overall wastewater collection system.

During the inspection, our technicians identify structural and operational defects such as cracks, fractures, root intrusion, grease accumulation, offset joints, infiltration and inflow (I&I), corrosion, and other conditions that may affect system performance. Findings are documented through digital video recordings, photographs, field observations, and condition assessments. The final deliverable includes a comprehensive report summarizing the inspection results, identifying deficiencies, and providing recommendations for maintenance or corrective action to support regulatory compliance and long-term asset management.

A lift station inspection evaluates the condition and performance of the equipment responsible for moving wastewater from lower elevations to the municipal sewer system. During the inspection, we assess the overall condition of the lift station, identify signs of wear or potential failures, and document any issues that could affect system performance. Routine lift station inspections can help reduce the risk of unexpected breakdowns and support long-term compliance with inspection requirements.

Inspection frequency depends on the type of property, the size of the sanitary sewer system, and any applicable Miami-Dade County regulations. Many commercial properties are subject to periodic inspections, including comprehensive sewer surveys and recurring lift station evaluations. 

Dade County requires any commercial property with lift stations or large sanitary sewer systems require a sewer survey every 10 years and another annual inspection.

The length of a commercial sewer survey varies based on the size and complexity of the property’s sewer system. Smaller commercial properties may be inspected in just a few hours, while larger facilities with extensive underground infrastructure may require additional time. Before work begins, we’ll discuss the scope of the project and provide an estimated timeline so you know what to expect.

Our Sanitary Sewer Evaluation Surveys (SSES) utilize advanced high-resolution CCTV inspection equipment to thoroughly assess the condition of your sanitary sewer collection system. As our camera systems traverse gravity sewer mains and laterals, we carefully evaluate the interior of each pipeline for structural defects, operational deficiencies, and signs of infiltration and inflow (I&I) that could affect system performance or regulatory compliance.

Throughout the inspection, our technicians document conditions such as longitudinal and circumferential cracks, fractures, separated or offset joints, root intrusion, corrosion, grease accumulation, sediment deposits, pipe deformation, and other defects that may compromise the integrity of the system. Every observation is digitally recorded with precise location references, video footage, high-resolution images, and detailed field notes. Once the inspection is complete, we provide a comprehensive report that clearly outlines our findings, identifies areas of concern, and includes practical recommendations to help you prioritize maintenance, rehabilitation, or replacement while supporting your long-term asset management and compliance objectives.