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When Is the City Responsible for Sewer Line Issues?

When you have issues with your sewer plumbing, it is essential to understand who is responsible for fixing the sewer line. In some cases, your city may be responsible for making the repairs. In other cases, it is your responsibility to call a plumber and have it fixed.

When Is the City Responsible?

sewer inspector

To determine when the city is responsible for sewer lines, you need to locate the source of the problem. Unfortunately, many people mistakenly assume the plumbing that runs into and out of their homes is the city’s responsibility.

However, that is not the case. Homeowners are responsible for all sewer lines on their property, regardless of who installed the lines. Essentially, the city is only responsible for the main sewer line, which is usually located under a street or another location on city property.

Additionally, the city can be responsible for the sewer lines that run from your property line to the main sewer line. Yet, that is not always the case, as you will see shortly.

What Is Your Responsibility?

As previously mentioned, you are responsible for sewer and water lines that are on your property. So, if there are drainage problems, backups, or other problems, you have to get them fixed. You may also be responsible for tree roots and clogs for the part of the sewer line that runs from your property line to the main sewer line.

For example, trees on your property may have grown into the pipes and damaged them. Since the trees are on your property and connected to the roots, you are responsible for the tree root damage.

Another example is when a clog forms in this part of the sewer line. If the cause of the clog can be traced back to your home and sewage waste, then you are responsible for the costs of removing the clog.

What Can You Do to Avoid Sewer Line Problems?

There are several effective ways to help reduce and avoid sewer line problems that are your responsibility.

Plumber working in the bathroom, plumbing repair service, repairing leaking sinks with adjustable wrench

  • Sewer Line Inspections – Have your plumber perform a sewer camera line inspection annually. This can help identify potential problems, such as tree roots, clogs, and cracking and breaking sewer lines.
  • Have Your Sewer Line Cleaned – Regular cleanings can help remove waste, sludge, and small tree roots. The frequency of cleaning depends on your household size.
  • Resolve Leaks Quickly – If your sewer lines are leaking, have them repaired by your plumber sooner than later. Trenchless repair is a great way to resolve leaks and tree root problems without digging up your entire yard.
  • Review Your Insurance Coverage – Contact your insurance provider to find out what type of sewer line coverage you have available. Knowing what types of losses are covered is beneficial and can put your mind at ease should a sewer line problem occur.

Sewer Line Inspections, Cleaning, and Repair Services

Whether you suspect a sewer line problem and want a camera inspection, your sewer lines need cleaning as part of annual maintenance, or you have a sewer line problem that needs to be fixed, the experienced plumbers at Christianson Air Conditioning & Plumbing are here to help.

Please feel free to contact us at 512-246-5400 to schedule sewer plumbing service in San Antonio or the Austin Metro area today!

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