In February, NASSCO launched its third certification program: Building Sewer and Drain Inspection.
Based heavily on PACP standards, BSDI is similar to PACP, LACP and MACP in that it teaches students to use unique codes to identify conditions within a pipe. PACP is used to assess mainlines; LACP is used to assess laterals; and MACP is used to assess manholes. BSDI focuses on building sewers and drains (including laterals).
While LACP and BSDI are both used to inspect laterals, the difference is that BSDI inspections typically start from inside or very close to the building and go down through the lateral toward the sewer main, while LACP inspections typically start from inside the sewer main and go up through the lateral toward the building without going into it.
The idea for BSDI came about five years ago when my daughter, a Realtor, asked that we review CCTV of a lateral inspection that was conducted prior to the sale of a home. Her client was advised that the entire lateral needed to be dug up and replaced. After viewing the video, our then-technical director, Lynn Osborn, P.E., disagreed with the findings as the video was nearly impossible to read. After a new inspection, it was determined that the pipe did need some spot repairs, which were accomplished using cured-in-place pipe technology versus dig and replace. Seeing the need to properly inspect building sewers and drains, NASSCO’s Lateral and Building Pipe committee then put the development of BSDI in motion.
BSDI is designed for plumbers, small contractors and others who are involved in the proper assessment of building sewers and drains. In addition to following best practices, being BSDI-certified will help them build their business through recognition, rank higher on search engines and be included in NASSCO’s directory of certified professionals at nassco.org.
Municipalities also benefit from BSDI because it provides a holistic approach to keep the entire system healthy, regardless of who owns the laterals. BSDI allows benchmarking of pipe conditions, assists with identifying infiltration and inflow, and promotes consistency in documentation and reporting of pipe conditions. NASSCO’s Lateral and Building Pipe Committee is currently developing tools to assist municipalities in building their own BSDI programs.
As mentioned above, real estate agents (on behalf of their clients) interested in having a lateral inspected prior to sale, or homeowners looking for a qualified plumber or contractor to do the inspection, will also benefit from BSDI.
The online course is self-paced and the BSDI curriculum covers the general approach to an inspection, how to complete the BSDI inspection report, assessment codes (which are heavily based on PACP standards) and associated requirements for a proper BSDI inspection.
The course costs $180 and includes a digital manual. For students who also want a printed manual, the cost is $225. PDH and CEU credits are awarded to students who successfully complete the 25-question exam, and BSDI certification is good for three years. To learn more and to enroll, please visit nassco.org/bdsi.
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