NASSCO’s training and education programs, including its Pipeline Assessment Certification Program, Lateral Assessment Certification Program, Manhole Assessment Certification Program and Inspector Training Certification Programs for cured-in-place pipe and manhole rehabilitation have become the cornerstones of our industry.
A new addition to these established training programs is NASSCO’s Building Sewer and Drain Inspection Program, set to launch in early 2025. The idea for this new program came about when a real estate agent representing a buyer in Northern Virginia inquired with NASSCO about a plumber’s CCTV inspection on a pending real estate transaction. Viewing the video was not enough to convince the agent that the building pipe should be replaced (as recommended by the plumber), and as it turned out, it was not necessary. Cleaning and trenchless rehabilitation accomplished the goal to return the pipe to proper working order for the new home buyer.
NASSCO was also approached by the Pennsylvania Plumbing Heating Cooling Contractors Association to develop a standard for the inspection of building pipes for the same reason: To assure buyers that the property they are purchasing includes the inspection of building pipes and drains, just as roofing, electrical, plumbing and other mechanical and structural components of a building are assessed prior to purchase.
As a result of these requests, NASSCO’s Lateral and Building Pipe Committee took on the task of forming a workgroup, headed up by Carl Marc Aurele of Formadrain, to develop a certification program for the proper inspection of building sewers and drains. After two years of development, the new self-paced online program will be launched in 2025.
The BSDI Program consists of:
- A detailed form which includes property location, inspector information, point of access/pipe characteristics, general inspection details and inflow characteristics including downspouts, floor drains, sump pumps, etc.
- A self-paced online course detailing what to look for during an inspection, how to use the form and how to properly inspect, assess and document conditions of building sewer and drains.
- A study guide for use during course study and for reference in the field post-certification.
- An online exam (based on course and form content) to provide individuals with certification that they have demonstrated basic knowledge in the inspection of building sewers and drains.
Once the program has launched, the BSDI workgroup will work on Phase 2, which will be a similar program designed for municipalities and system owners. The goal of this program will be to educate owners on the importance of consistent building sewer and drain inspection as a holistic part of an entire system, and to guide the student in the development of a program for their jurisdiction. Successful completion of an online exam will further recognize the owner as a BSDI Inspector.
Next on the horizon is a similar NASSCO certification program for drain cleaning, being developed by NASSCO’s Operations and Maintenance Committee. The program will complement BSDI and the two courses can be purchased as a bundle to fully educate the plumber and small contractor on the importance of proper inspection and cleaning. To learn more about NASSCO’s growing library of education and training programs, visit nassco.org.
Sheila Joy is executive director of NASSCO. She can be reached at director@nassco.org.
