When is the City Responsible for Sewer Lines?

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Sewer line repairs and replacements are no small job, and they can cost a lot of money. That’s why it’s important to know who is responsible for footing the bill in the event of a sewer problem. Here’s a guide to help you determine whether you or the city is responsible for sewer line issues.

Main Sewer Lines

The city is responsible for any sewer problem starting from the main sewer line. This line carries waste from your home and surrounding homes to places like the city’s treatment plant. The pipe usually sits outside your property line on public property.

Laterals

The lateral lines are the pipes that run directly from your home to connect to the main sewer line. There are two lateral pipes, the upper and lower lateral lines. The upper lateral runs from your house to your property line, which ends at the curb or sidewalk. The lower lateral stems off from this to connect the upper lateral to the main line. Even though the lower lateral isn’t on your property, it still falls under your responsibility. 

Urban vs. Rural

If you live in a rural community where there is no municipal sewer system, you are responsible for all issues with your home’s septic system. In an urban community, the city will be responsible for sewer line repairs that fall outside of your property line, with the exception of the lower lateral line.

Insurance

Depending on the coverage of your homeowner’s policy, your insurance may be able to help with the cost. If you find a problem in the sewer lines that you are responsible for and don’t know if the damage is covered by your insurance, check with your provider.

Schedule a Sewer Line Inspection Today!

A sewer line inspection from Terry’s Plumbing – especially if your house and neighborhood are older – is the best way to learn about the quality of your pipes. With an inline camera inspection, we can see what’s happening inside the drain and sewer and find the exact solution to any problems we discover.

With upfront pricing and red-carpet service, Super Terry is the best choice for sewer line repair in Pittsburgh. For more information on sewer line responsibility or to schedule an appointment or contact us!