So, your sewer line is clogged, huh?
Well, here is what you need to know about when the city is responsible for sewer line repairs.
Whether you are in Elizabeth City, NC or Los Angeles, California…..
This is what you need to know about the city’s responsibility of your septic line.
Where the City’s Responsibility Begins and Ends
Simply put, the city’s responsibility begins and ends at the “main sewer line”, well sort of…
There’s a catch however, and we will get to that in a bit.
In general, you (the homeowner) are responsible for the septic line from your home to the main. The city itself is typically responsible for the main line.
What is the main sewer line?
The Main Sewer Line
Here’s the deal, the main septic line is the line which runs along the street or sidewalk, before making a turn into your own sewer line.
The main sewer line is graded to points, where it can be pumped to other locations.
The Clean-Out Catch
Here’s the catch!
If you don’t have a clean out on your side of the line.
The city can’t determine which side of the line the clog is on. As a result they may not take responsibility even if the clog is in the main line.
Although most new houses have a clean out, many older homes in Elizabeth City do not.
Here’s the good news, if you don’t have a clean out on your sewer line, we can put one on for you!
How do I know when the city is responsible for sewer line repairs?
The best way to determine who is responsible for septic line repairs for your issues is to hire a licensed plumber.
If you are looking for a plumber in Elizabeth City, North Carolina, look no further than Dickson Plumbing.
A licensed plumber will try to clear your sewer line or they may run a camera. However, at the end of the day, determining whether the city is responsible or not, will take a bit of investigation.
If your sewer line is clogged in Elizabeth City, NC reach out to Dickson Plumbing to resolve the issue.
What sewer line repairs am I responsible?
As a homeowner in Elizabeth City, you are responsible for the lateral pipes which lead to and from your home from the main line.
What are lateral pipes?
Its simple, the pipe which runs to and from your home to the main line is known as the lateral.
The lateral begins when the main city line “t’s off” into your homes private sewer. Though the point at which your line begins and ends will depend on several factors.
Like I mentioned earlier, if you don’t have a clean out, the city may not take responsibility.
So long as you have a clean out, responsibility is typically “cut and dry” though its not very dry, because it’s your sewer after all.
Common issues in the laterals:
- Paper towels
- Baby wipes
- Tree roots
- Cracked lines
- Or sediment build up from cracked lines, or uncovered clean outs.
How To Prevent Issues With the City Sewer Line
If you are looking to buy a home in Elizabeth City, NC, or already have purchased a home. Hire a licensed plumber to inspect the septic lines for you.
A licensed plumber can either check your lines, or determine that there is an issue on the city’s side before an emergency plumbing repair occurs.
Bottom Line: When is the city responsible for sewer issues?
The City of Elizabeth City is responsible for clearing and maintaining the main septic line on their side of the clean out.
Everything from your home to the street (or main sewer line) is your responsibility.
If you experience a clogged line, or need to add a clean out. Contact us today!