Important Notice – Did You Know?

What is a Sewer Lateral?

A sewer lateral sewer line is a privately-owned pipeline connecting a property to the District’s main sewer line (public sewer line). It is the responsibility of the property owner to maintain, repair and replace (if necessary) the sewer lateral.

Who Owns It?

The private property owner is fully responsible for the ENTIRE LENGTH of the sewer lateral from the building to the connection of the sewer main in the street or within an easement.

What can a property owner do (or not do)?

1. If you are having problems with your sewer service, give the District a call! We will inspect the main sewer lines to determine if the problem is in the main sewer line or in the private lateral.
2. Do not plant trees over or near the sewer lateral. Tree roots commonly invade through cracks or loose joints, leading to costly repairs.
3. Do not connect sump pumps to your lateral sewer line. Sump pumps must discharge elsewhere.
4. Do not pour fats, oils, and grease in your drains as these products harden and stick to the inside of the sewer pipes, which build up and may eventually cause a blockage in the sewer pipes.

Important Notice:

Standard homeowners’ insurance usually does not cover damage from sewer lateral line backups and repairs. You typically need to add an optional “Service Line Coverage” rider to your policy or purchase a standalone utility policy to cover sewer lateral repairs and replacement.

Replacement of a sewer lateral is typically in the $7,000 – $30,000 range, but can be significantly more depending on the location and length of your sewer lateral, landscaping improvements, and other factors. Property owners are often not aware there is any issue with a sewer lateral until it fails, which can result in a large, unexpected and undelayable expense. Therefore, the District recommends you consider optional “Service Line Coverage” rider or a standalone utility policy.