Sewer line repair: clogs, roots and who pays

Who owns the sewer line?

The pipe that carries wastewater from your sinks, drains and toilets to the public sewer main is often called a side sewer or lateral. Seattle Public Utilities, for example, says that if you own your home, you also own that pipe up to the public sewer under the street (SPU). Rules vary by city, so ask your local water or sewer department where your responsibility ends.

In Chicago, the City’s Private Drain Repair Program may repair sewer drain tiles from homes of up to four units when they’re broken under the public way, the area from the city sidewalk to the center of the street. To qualify, you hire a licensed sewer contractor to rod or video-inspect the line, and the contractor schedules a review by a city sewer inspector (City of Chicago). A break under the street is often the most expensive part to fix, so ask about this before you approve a dig.

What causes most clogs

• Wipes and other trash. MWRD says toilet paper is the only thing designed to move safely through your pipes. So-called “flushable” wipes aren’t flushable, and clogs can cause sewer backups and expensive property damage (MWRD).
• Fats, oils and grease. MWRD lists them among the things you should never put down the drain (MWRD).
• Tree roots. Seattle Public Utilities lists tree roots, grease buildup and flushed objects as common reasons for a blockage (SPU).

If sewage backs up

• Keep people away from the water and turn off power to the area if it’s safe to do so, to avoid electrical hazards (SPU).
• Call a plumber (SPU).
• Document the damage and keep copies of every invoice for cleanup (SPU).
• Clean up quickly. If you do it yourself, wear protective boots and rubber gloves and wash up thoroughly (SPU).

Flooding from heavy rain is a different problem. See our sump pump and basement flooding guide for backflow valves and sewer backup coverage, and our water damage restoration guide for cleanup.

Rodding, cameras and repairs

• Clearing a clog. A rooter service uses water pressure or mechanical snakes. Ask whether the cable is long enough to reach the main under the street (SPU).
• Camera inspections. Cameras can’t see under water, so a camera is most useful after the clog is cleared, to check the pipe’s condition and spot future trouble (SPU).
• Get the video. Ask for a copy of the inspection video in your bid. It can help if you ever file a claim with the city (SPU). In Chicago, a video inspection is part of qualifying for the Private Drain Repair Program (City of Chicago).
• Write it down. Have the contractor note the likely cause and where the blockage is, in feet along the line, and mark the spot on the ground (SPU). That helps decide whether you need a repair or just regular maintenance.

How to avoid overpaying

• Get at least three written bids. Prices vary widely between companies (SPU).
• Ask whether the job needs digging or can be done without it, and who handles permits and restoring the parkway or sidewalk.
• For home repair work over $1,000 in Illinois, get a written contract and the “Home Repair: Know Your Rights” pamphlet (Illinois Attorney General).
• Don’t pay in full before the work is done and inspected.