What is a sewer lateral?
A sewer lateral is the pipe that connects your home to the public sewer main. It is usually located underground and runs from your house to the street. Sewer laterals are typically made of clay, concrete, or plastic.
Who is responsible for maintaining sewer laterals?
In most cases, the homeowner is responsible for maintaining their own sewer lateral. This means that you are responsible for paying for any repairs or replacements that are needed. However, there are some exceptions. For example, some cities and towns have programs that help homeowners pay for sewer lateral repairs.
What are the signs of a damaged sewer lateral?
There are a few signs that your sewer lateral may be damaged. These include:
- Slow drains
- Backups in your toilets or sinks
- Sewage smells coming from your drains or yard
- Wet or soggy spots in your yard
- Tree roots growing in your sewer line
How can I prevent damage to my sewer lateral?
There are a few things you can do to help prevent damage to your sewer lateral:
- Avoid flushing grease, oil, fat, and other non-biodegradable materials down your drains.
- Use a strainer in your sink to catch food particles and other debris.
- Have your sewer lateral inspected and cleaned regularly by a licensed plumber.
What are the options for repairing or replacing a sewer lateral?
There are two main options for repairing or replacing a sewer lateral: traditional and trenchless.
Traditional repair
Traditional sewer lateral repair involves digging up the yard to access the pipe. This can be a disruptive and expensive process.
Trenchless repair
Trenchless sewer lateral repair is a newer method that does not require digging up the yard. Instead, a plumber inserts a liner into the existing pipe and inflates it to create a new pipe inside the old one. Trenchless repair is less disruptive and expensive than traditional repair, but it is not always an option.