Am I responsible for covering the repairs to my sewer line if it's on city property?

MEP Plumbing
2

I live in the greater Seattle Area. The rule here, and I am sure in many other places, is that you are responsible for your sewer line all the way to the point of connection to the main. The main usually is out in the Street. The Street is City property. So, why do you have to fix the sewer line under City property… right??? The City will maintain the Sewer Main. You are responsible for connecting to it. And you are responsible for all costs associated to connect to it. When something goes wrong with your sewer line from the house to main and the only repair is to replace it, then you have to pull city permits. You have to jack hammer the street up and repair, replace, inspect, get approval to cover, fix the street, inspect, sign off… IT IS A NIGHTMARE!!!

Or… you can go trenches…See if your condition is something that can be sleeved. Yes, there is a way to sleeve old sewer lines and make them new again. No jackhammers, no permits.

3

In Cleveland, Ohio and in most other places, the homeowner is responsible for all maintenance and repairs to all sewer, gas and water lines from the connection at the street into their home. Here they offer a protection plan you can purchase that is added onto your bill each month that covers repairs from the street connection to where the line enters your property.

4

Hello,
Our company, Repipe Pro, in Burbank must follow California rules. Here, homeowners are responsible also on City Property but only 1 last fitting before city main sewer pipe. Usually it is a elbow and that is called City Collateral or something? You are Not Responsible for that last joint. Ask your water and power company; the rules might be different in each town.

Remember: you cannot hire just any licensed plumber to work on the street - they need a special license.

Good Luck

Art from [email protected]