Sewer odors in your home, frequent backups, drains that clear slowly: it may need a simple drain cleaning or it may require a sewer line repair. If it’s the latter, one question you’ll probably have is this:
Who is responsible for sewer line repair?
In most cases, it’s you. But not always. It depends on where the blockage or damage is located.
Sewer Lines Connect Your Home to Municipal Systems
The part that you’re responsible for is called the private sewer lateral. That’s the pipe that carries wastewater from your home to the municipal sewer system. It’s buried underground and can often extend a long distance to where it meets up with the city’s sewer infrastructure.
That part’s your responsibility.
The public sewer main is the larger municipal pipe that collects wastewater from multiple properties throughout the neighborhood. In Gilbert, that’s the Department of Public Works.
The confusion when trying to figure out who is responsible for sewer line repair often comes when trying to figure out exactly where your home’s system ends and the public system begins. Your responsibility doesn’t always end at the property line. In some cases, portions of your privately owned pipe may run beneath sidewalks, easements, or even streets.
Who Is Responsible for Sewer Line the Under the Street?
This often comes as a surprise, but your connection to the city’s sewer lines may include portions that are under the street. So, depending on your property’s layout, that means you may still be responsible for repairs even if the damaged pipe is located beneath part of a public right-of-way.
In many situations, municipalities require proof that the private sewer lateral is functioning properly before investigating whether the problem is within their infrastructure. So, you may first need an inspection and have repair work done before the city will even take a look. So, before you can answer who is responsible for sewer line under street, you first need to know exactly where the problem is.
Fortunately, the sewer line experts at George Brazil can conduct a sewer camera inspection rather than having to dig things up to find the cause. By inserting a flexible, waterproof camera into your sewer line, a plumber can find the cause of your problems.
This chart shows who is typically responsible for repairs based on the location.
| Location | Who is responsible for sewer line repair? |
| Sewer line beneath your home or yard | Homeowner |
| Sewer lateral between the property line and city connection | Homeowner |
| Sewer lateral beneath sidewalks or easements | Homeowner |
| Municipal sewer main | City |
| Public sewer infrastructure serving multiple properties | City |
Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Sewer Line Repairs?
Here’s the next question: Will my insurance cover sewer line repairs? Unfortunately, the answer is most likely no.
Standard homeowners’ insurance policies typically do not cover sewer line repairs caused by:
- Aging pipes
- Corrosion
- Wear and tear
- Tree root intrusion
- General maintenance issues
Insurance companies frequently view these conditions as preventable maintenance concerns rather than sudden accidental damage.
However, some insurers offer add-on policies or protection plans that may include coverage for underground utility lines, including sewer laterals. So, it’s worth checking if you need major repairs done.
Work With a Licensed Plumbing Company and Highly Trained Technicians
A licensed plumbing company can document the condition of your sewer line and provide the information municipalities often require before evaluating their own infrastructure. Having a professional diagnosis helps ensure the problem is directed to the correct party and prevents unnecessary delays.
If you’re having plumbing issues, you’ll want to get it checked out sooner rather than later. Sewer problems don’t resolve on their own, and they only get worse with time. Small cracks turn into big ones. Roots grow bigger. A partial blockage can eventually backup your whole system.
Identifying the source of the problem early often means:
- Lower repair costs
- More repair options
- Less risk of wastewater damage
- Fewer emergency plumbing situations
George Brazil Plumbing & Electric has been in business for more than 70 years and serving the Phoenix metro area for more than three decades. Highly trained technicians can inspect your sewer line, identify the source of the problem, and help you understand your repair options.
In Gilbert, contact George Brazil today for sewer line inspection and repair.