Who is Responsible for Sewer Line Repair?

Broken sewer lines are never welcome. A sewer line issue can cause sewage backups and potentially result in other forms of property damage. Needless to say, homeowners will want to have these issues addressed as promptly as they can.

When considering sewer line repairs, however, there is one common question for homeowners to ask: Exactly whose responsibility is this, anyway? It is sometimes assumed that the municipality is responsible for repairs to the sewer line, especially those pipes that extend past the homeowner’s personal property.

The reality is a little more complicated than that. As you consider this important question, keep in mind a few guidelines from Carter’s My Plumber. We are proud to be a trusted name in sewer line repair in Indianapolis and beyond.

Who is Ultimately Responsible for Repairing the Sewer Lines?

The consensus view is that the city itself is responsible for the maintenance and repair of any pipes that run from your property line to the municipal water main or sewage system. By contrast, then, homeowners are personally responsible for the lines that run from the property line into their home.

More accurately, though, the city is only responsible for the sewer line that begins at the main underground sewer pipe, which carries waste and water to the municipal treatment facility.

Any pipes that connect to this main line are considered to be the homeowner’s responsibility.

A Closer Look at the Municipal Sewer System

To better understand who is responsible for repairing sewer line damage or addressing sewer backups, it may be helpful to know a bit more about how the municipal sewer system is laid out. In particular, it’s important to know more about upper and lower lateral pipes. Here’s a quick overview:

• The upper lateral includes the clean-out for your house, and is usually right at your property line.
• The lower lateral, on the other hand, runs from the property line to the main sewer line. In other words, this pipe is not technically on the homeowner’s property, but it is still considered their responsibility.
• Generally speaking, homeowners are responsible for sewer line repairs beginning at the upper lateral pipe to the end of the lower lateral.

Sewer Line Cleaning and Repair: When is the City Responsible?

All of this might raise a question: Is there ever a scenario in which the city itself is responsible for fixing a broken pipe or repairing the public sewer lines?

The short answer is yes. If there is a problem with the municipality’s main sewer line (the city sewer main), you’ll know it because you and your neighbors will all experience the same backups or sewage pipe problems at the same time. And in this scenario, it’s the city’s responsibility to make repairs.

When is the Homeowner Responsible for the Sewer Lateral?

On the flip side, when is the homeowner responsible for addressing sewer issues or repairing the sewer infrastructure? 

Essentially, if you experience issues like sewer clogs or backups, it’s crucial to call a plumbing company right away. Chances are, it’s going to be something you’re responsible for addressing on your own, especially if your neighbors are not having the same problems.

If there are issues with the municipal sewer line or even with the lower lateral, it’s likely that the city will get involved. Your plumbing company can advise you on if and when you need to get the city involved.

Remember, for trenchless sewer repair in Indianapolis and the surrounding area, you can always call our residential sewer experts at Carter’s My Plumber.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are local governments responsible for paying for sewer line repairs?

Generally speaking, the municipal government is only responsible for repairs to the municipal sewer line, not to the upper or lower laterals that connect the municipal sewer to your home.

What to do if a sewer line is clogged?

If you experience a sewer line clog or a sewer line break, the best thing you can do is to contact a trusted plumbing company like Carter’s My Plumber.

Who is responsible for sewage treatment?

Sewage treatment issues are handled by your local municipality. 

How do I know if my main sewer line is broken?

If there is an issue with the sewer main, you and your neighbors will all experience sewer stoppages or backups.

How much does it cost to unblock a sewage drain?

Simply snaking a sewer line can cost anywhere from $200 to $750 on average, though it can vary depending on a number of different factors.

Who is responsible for tree roots in the sewer line?

Any tree root extending into the upper lateral of your sewer line is your responsibility, not the city’s.