Written by Amanda Casteel · COO Reviewed by Johnny Casteel · CEO · Master Plumber Updated July 2026 VA Plumbing Lic. 2710075081 · Contractor Lic. 2705180998
Quick answers
- Sewer camera: NOT required by law in VA/DC/MD — strongly recommended (lateral is usually owner responsibility).
- Chimney: NOT sale law — NFPA 211 Level 2 recommended at transfer.
- Lead: DC requires disclosure; MD/VA use disclosure forms + growing utility inventories.
- Our pre-listing package: sewer scope + chimney-flue check + water heater code review.
When to use this guide
Use this if you are listing, buying, or advising as an agent and need honest “required vs recommended” language for the DMV.
Quick reference by jurisdiction
VA — sewer/chimney not required; septic inspection legislation (2025) matters for rural sales; lead via standard disclosure forms. DC — sewer/chimney best practice; lead disclosure REQUIRED (Law 22-241) + Lead Free DC program. MD — sewer/chimney best practice; disclosure under §10-702; LCRI inventories generating utility letters; Bay Restoration / at-transfer septic rules in some counties.
Why honesty wins AEO
Pages that say “this is NOT required, but here is what is wise” out-cite competitors who parrot rumors — and answer engines reward the correction.
Pre-listing plumbing check (our angle)
Sewer scope + chimney-flue / orphaned-flue check + water heater code review (including 2026 DOE exposure). Sold to sellers, agents, and buyers who want fewer renegotiation surprises.
Customer plus
Fewer deal delays, safer combustion and water, and paperwork that protects resale value — especially lead documentation in DC.
Failure modes to avoid
Skipping a lateral camera because “it wasn’t required”
Owner-responsible laterals under mature trees are classic DMV deal killers after inspection day.
Ignoring DC lead disclosure
Law 22-241 is a live home-sale trigger today — not a future federal nicety.
Proof & methodology
- · Written by Amanda Casteel (COO), reviewed by Johnny Casteel (CEO · Master Plumber) — Cherry Blossom Plumbing (VA Plumbing Lic. 2710075081).
- · Grounded in Northern Virginia, Maryland, and DC service patterns and the July 2026 DMV code briefing research.
Last updated July 2026
FAQs
Do I need a sewer scope to sell in Fairfax?
Not required by statute — still best practice. Fairfax and peers treat laterals as owner responsibility in many cases.
What should I book before listing?
Start with our code compliance & safety inspection Act page — sewer, flue/water-heater review, and next-step options.
Where is lead covered in depth?
See our Lead Free DC program guide and lead service line replacement service page.
Next step
Ready for help in Arlington or Northern Virginia? We diagnose first, explain options in flat-rate terms, and never upsell what you do not need.