Oftentimes sewer line trouble occurs in the “gray” area of responsibility between what a municipality should address and what falls on the shoulders of the homeowner. It is, however, an issue that potential homeowners should be aware of before buying a home. What you’ve been used to may not be the standard for your new location.
Different cities have different definitions regarding the responsibility. Usually, but not in all cases, the city or town will maintain the lower lateral line and the main sewer line. The lateral line is the section of sewer line that runs from a building to the city main line. The lateral itself is often divided between upper and lower sections. The upper line runs from the building to the curb, and the lower lateral runs from there to the main. Some cities service only the main line, leaving you to deal with the entire lateral, even when it runs under city sidewalks.
Why are there so many discrepancies? For one thing, home construction doesn’t always coincide with the installation of city sewers. In many cases the city “grew up” around existing homes so that different technologies and materials were utilized. In other instances, housing development occurred much later than the municipal lines.
Some cities will offer to split costs of modernization if your existing lateral line is outdated or falling apart. A good local sewer professional will be able to advise you as to what needs to be done and will be able to perform the work. As a homeowner, you need to know what local policies are and what you may need to do to be compliant with municipal statutes.
