Your home’s main sewer line is a critical piece of infrastructure that you rely on every single day, yet it’s completely hidden from view. It works tirelessly to carry all the wastewater from your home safely to the municipal sewer system. Because it’s out of sight, it’s easy to not think about it until a major problem, like a slow drain throughout the house or a disastrous sewage backup, occurs. When a problem does arise, it can be a source of major confusion for homeowners: where does my responsibility end, and where does the city’s begin? Understanding the concept of the sewer lateral and your role in its maintenance is crucial for any homeowner.
What is a Sewer Line?
The sewer line is the section of underground pipe that connects your home’s plumbing system to the main city sewer line, which is typically located under the street.
- Your Property’s Drain System: Think of your home’s plumbing like a tree. The smaller drain pipes from each fixture (sinks, toilets, showers) are the branches. These all connect to one large, central pipe that runs out of your house—this is the beginning of your sewer line, which is like the trunk of the tree on your property.
- The Connection Point: This lateral pipe runs from your house, across your yard, and connects to the large municipal sewer main. The point of connection is often called the “tap.”
Homeowner vs. City Responsibility: The Dividing Line
This is the most important and often misunderstood part of sewer line ownership. In the vast majority of municipalities, including those throughout Los Angeles and Orange County, the homeowner is responsible for the entire length of the sewer lateral.
- Your Responsibility: You own, and are financially responsible for, the maintenance, repair, and replacement of the sewer pipe from the point it leaves your home’s foundation all the way up to and including the tap where it connects to the city’s main line.
- The City’s Responsibility: The city is only responsible for the main sewer line under the street and onward.
This means that if a clog, a break, or a tree root intrusion occurs anywhere on your property, the full and often substantial cost of the repair falls on you, the homeowner. This is why it is so critical to be proactive about the health of your sewer line. Many local public works departments provide information and diagrams to help homeowners understand this line of responsibility.
Protecting Your Most Important Pipe
Since the sewer lateral is your responsibility, it’s important to protect it.
- Be Careful What You Flush: The best way to prevent clogs is to only flush human waste and toilet paper. Never flush “flushable” wipes, paper towels, or feminine hygiene products, as these are a leading cause of blockages.
- Watch Out for Grease: Never pour fats, oils, or grease down your kitchen sink, as this is a primary cause of main line clogs.
- Know Your Trees: Be mindful of the trees in your yard. The roots of large trees are a major threat to older sewer lines.
- Get a Camera Inspection: If you live in an older home or are experiencing recurring drain problems, a professional sewer camera inspection is the best way to assess the health of your sewer lateral.
Your Los Angeles & Orange County Experts for Sewer Lines
Your main sewer line is a critical asset. Understanding your responsibility and taking proactive steps to maintain it can save you from a messy and expensive disaster. For homeowners across Los Angeles and Orange County, the professional team at Neighborhood Plumbing specializes in diagnosing and providing solutions for all problems with your sewer lines. Contact us today for a comprehensive inspection.
