Clogged Sewer Line or Sewer Backup: Warning Signs, Who Is Responsible for the Pipe, and How to Hire a Plumber

What Are the Warning Signs of a Clogged Sewer Line?

Several signs can tell you if your sewer line is having a problem. Early detection can help you fix issues before they become worse.

Look for these signs:

• Your toilets, tubs, and other drains are draining slowly or have stopped completely. (City of Livermore, California)
• You notice raw sewage or a sewage odor. (City of Portland, Oregon)
• You see rats or rat holes in your yard or parking strip. (City of Portland, Oregon)

Who Is Responsible for Your Sewer Line?

Your sewer line, also called a sewer lateral or side sewer, carries wastewater from your home to the public sewer main under the street. Who is responsible for maintaining and repairing this pipe varies by location.

Here are some examples of how responsibility is split:

• In Livermore, California, the property owner is responsible for maintaining, repairing, and replacing the sewer lateral from the building to the public sewer main. (City of Livermore, California)
• In Seattle, Washington, if you own your home, you own your side sewer until it connects to the public sewer pipe. Some properties might even share one side sewer. (Seattle Public Utilities)
• In Portland, Oregon, the property owner is responsible for the sewer line from the house to the curb. The City maintains the lateral from the main sewer under the street to the curb line. (City of Portland, Oregon)

Because responsibility differs by city, you should contact your local city or sewer utility. They can tell you exactly where your responsibility ends and theirs begins.

What to Do When Your Sewer Line Backs Up

If you experience a sewer backup, acting quickly can help limit damage and resolve the issue.

Follow these steps:

• Stop using water. Avoid flushing toilets or using other water appliances, like washing machines or dishwashers. (Seattle Public Utilities)
• Do not try to stop sewage coming up through a floor drain or any other drain. (Seattle Public Utilities)
• Call a plumber to inspect your sewer line. (Seattle Public Utilities)
• Consider calling your city’s utility. In Livermore, California, it is often not clear if the problem is in your sewer lateral or the city’s main. They recommend calling their Water Resources Division before calling a plumber. City staff can inspect the main at no cost. If they find no problem there, the blockage is likely in your lateral. (City of Livermore, California)
• Call your city’s utility if your plumber or contractor thinks the blockage may be in the public sewer mainline or the connection to it. The utility may check the public sewer and make repairs if its part of the connection has failed. (Seattle Public Utilities)
• Document any damage caused by the backup and keep copies of all cleanup invoices. (Seattle Public Utilities)

Since different cities have different advice, ask your local city or sewer utility what you should do first.

Hiring a Plumber or Contractor

Choosing the right professional is key to solving your sewer line problem. Some companies offer many services, while others specialize.

Here are some types of help:

• Rooter companies unclog plumbing and side sewers using water pressure or mechanical snakes. Be careful, as high-pressure cleaning tools can damage pipes. Their cable should reach from your side sewer to the city’s sewer main. (Seattle Public Utilities)
• Side sewer contractors repair or replace defects like breaks or holes in the pipe. (Seattle Public Utilities)
• Plumbers repair leaky or broken fixtures. (Seattle Public Utilities)

When hiring:

1. Ask for recommendations from friends and relatives. (Seattle Public Utilities)
2. Get at least three written bids for the work. Prices can vary widely. (Seattle Public Utilities)
3. Get it in writing. Have the provider write down the probable cause of the blockage, where it was found in the line, and mark the spot on the ground. This helps decide how to clear it and if regular maintenance is needed. Make sure this is legible, signed, and dated. (Seattle Public Utilities)
4. Understand camera inspections. TV cameras are generally not good at finding what is blocking a line because they cannot see under water. Camera inspections are most useful after the blockage is cleared to check the condition of your pipes. If a contractor does a video inspection, ask for a copy. (Seattle Public Utilities)
5. Check for permits and inspections. In Seattle, side sewer repair work always needs a permit, though root removal and unclogging do not. A City inspector checks the work before the pipe is covered. (Seattle Public Utilities) In Portland, Oregon, all work on your sewer line must be permitted and inspected. This protects you and makes sure the work is done correctly. Only the property owner or a licensed plumbing contractor can legally work on the sewer line. Every sewer line repair needs a permit, inspection, and approval before the pipe is covered. (City of Portland, Oregon)
6. Verify credentials. Only consider contractors who are licensed and insured. Confirm a contractor’s license with your state or county government, and ask the contractor for proof of insurance. (Federal Trade Commission)

Preventing Future Sewer Line Backups

Once your sewer line is clear, taking steps to maintain it can help prevent future problems.

• Flush only toilet paper. (Seattle Public Utilities)
• Dispose of grease properly. Do not pour it down drains. (Seattle Public Utilities)
• Have your side sewer cleaned regularly. This can prevent costly repairs. (Seattle Public Utilities)
• Inspect your side sewer with a video camera before buying a property. (Seattle Public Utilities)
• Maintain a backwater valve if your property has one. This valve helps prevent sewer backups. (Seattle Public Utilities)

When this advice may not fit

This advice offers general guidance for homeowners. If you suspect the problem is with the city’s sewer main, contact your local city or sewer utility right away. For specific repair work or complex issues, always consult a qualified professional. You should never attempt to work on gas lines, electrical panels, a roof, structural parts of your home, or remove lead paint or asbestos yourself. If you have questions about your insurance coverage, contact your insurance provider.

Insurance Coverage for Sewer Backups

Most homeowners policies offer limited or no coverage for damage caused by sewer or drain backups. You might be able to buy an endorsement to cover these events. An endorsement adds specific coverage to your existing policy. (National Association of Insurance Commissioners)