Why is the main sewer line in my house clogged?
The main sewer line, also referred to as the house sewer, then carries the wastewater from inside the house to the city sewer. Similar to any smaller drain pipe, the main sewer line is not invulnerable to clogging due to accumulation of grease, invasion of tree roots, pipe defects, and having inappropriate objects or materials placed into it.
Who is responsible for sewer lines near your house?
Most homeowners assume the city is responsible for sewer lines near or past the public street, but that is seldom true. Property owners are responsible for upper and lower lateral lines that connect from their house to the city’s sewer lines. The city is responsible for that connection and onto the city’s sewer main and lines.
Why is there a trap in the main sewer line?
As required by code in most municipalities, the main sewer has U-bend trap, or commonly referred to as house trap, to prevent city sewer gases and odors from entering the house. The house trap also acts to collect unsuitable objects or articles from entering into your main house sewer line.
Where does the sewer line start and end?
The pipes that run from your home to the main sewer line are called the upper lateral and lower lateral sections. The upper lateral includes both the cleanout for your house and at your property line. This pipe extends from your home to the sidewalk before stemming off to the lower lateral beneath the street.
Most homeowners assume the city is responsible for sewer lines near or past the public street, but that is seldom true. Property owners are responsible for upper and lower lateral lines that connect from their house to the city’s sewer lines. The city is responsible for that connection and onto the city’s sewer main and lines.
What happens when your main sewer line is clogged?
And because every water fixture’s drain eventually connects to the main sewer line, a blockage in that main line will affect various drains in your home. If you see sewage standing in (or draining out of) your home’s sewer cleanout, you have a main sewer clog.
The pipes that run from your home to the main sewer line are called the upper lateral and lower lateral sections. The upper lateral includes both the cleanout for your house and at your property line. This pipe extends from your home to the sidewalk before stemming off to the lower lateral beneath the street.
Do you have to involve the city when you have a sewer problem?
The city only ensures such repair work is correctly completed. This means you may still have to involve the city when work is done on your pipes, particularly if the repairs impact a sidewalk or public road. Sewer problems are expensive. Be prepared for the unexpected and know your rights and responsibilities.
