Two Flexible Paths for Running Your Private Sewer Lateral Program
Forward Lateral supports both push-camera and CCTV inspection van inspectors — and both feed directly into the same compliance and reporting system.
Pathway 1 — Plumber-Submitted Inspections (Push Camera Workflow)
Perfect for established PSL programs or cities that want distributed inspections performed by licensed contractors.
How it works
Homeowners directly hire approved plumbers
Plumbers upload CCTV videos directly into Forward Lateral
Staff review the inspection report, outlines next steps
Homeowners receive reviewed inspection report & next steps (including shopping the inspection for fair pricing)
Shop repairs → select plumber → permits → repairs → sign-offs
Full transparent audit trail
Best for
All private sewer lateral programs
Robust construction/ADU & point-of-sale triggers
Cities that already rely on local plumbers
Big cities or small districts
Pathway 2 — Sewer Lateral Van Workflow (Mainline + Lateral Capture)
Ideal for cities performing annual mainline work — maximize field crews by capturing private laterals simultaneously in the context of a big picture wastewater program.
How it works
Your mainline CCTV crew records lateral “pop-ins”
The van captures short videos of laterals from the main and creates an inspection report in Forward Lateral (like a plumber would)
Van crew leaves door hanger for property owner to verify name/email
City reviews inspection → property owner receives inspection → select plumber → permits → repairs → sign-offs
Inspection report is just like plumber-uploaded footage
Best for
Cities doing proactive systemwide CCTV
Neighborhood rehab campaigns
Development of new wastewater program
Reducing reliance on plumbers for initial inspections