Transparent Compliance Cycles

Forward Lateral standardizes every step of the private sewer lateral process so homeowners, plumbers, and city staff always know exactly what’s happening, what’s required, and what comes next. No confusion, no lost paperwork, no unclear expectations — just a clean, auditable workflow from inspection to final sign-off.

A transparent compliance cycle ensures that every inspection is reviewed consistently, every homeowner receives clear instructions, and every repair is documented. Cities gain full visibility into program activity, while the public benefits from predictable guidance and timely notifications.

How the cycle works

Inspection

A licensed plumber or city inspection crew completes a CCTV inspection of the private lateral and submits the footage through Forward Lateral.

Municipal Review

City staff evaluate the condition, confirm defect scoring, and determine the required action.

Forward Lateral standardizes this review so decisions remain consistent across properties and over time.

Owner Notification

Homeowners receive a clear, easy-to-understand report outlining defects, repair requirements, and timelines. Plumbers receive the same information, ensuring all parties are aligned.

Permit and Repair

Property owners hire a contractor, pull the appropriate permits, and complete the necessary repairs or full replacement. All documents, videos, and confirmations are logged automatically.

Final Sign-Off

A follow-up inspection or final repair documentation is reviewed by the city. Once approved, the property receives compliance clearance, and Forward Lateral updates the citywide lateral database.

Why transparency matters

A transparent compliance cycle reduces administrative workload, eliminates back-and-forth communication, and improves both compliance rates and homeowner satisfaction. Cities gain a defensible audit trail showing consistent outreach and enforcement, while homeowners understand expectations and timelines. The result is fewer surprises, faster repairs, and a proactive approach to preventing sewer spills.