Official sources, one practical answer
Who is responsible for your sewer lateral?
Rules can change at the property line, curb, sidewalk, or street. Find the likely payer, the right department, available assistance, and the next step for your municipality.
No address, email, or location history is collected.
Launch coverage
20 researched municipalities
Each guide uses municipal codes, utility rules, program documents, and permit information reviewed by an editor.
- Los AngelesCalifornia
- OaklandCalifornia
- San DiegoCalifornia
- San FranciscoCalifornia
- San Luis ObispoCalifornia
- BaltimoreMaryland
- BostonMassachusetts
- CambridgeMassachusetts
- MinneapolisMinnesota
- Kansas CityMissouri
- St. LouisMissouri
- AlbanyNew York
- RochesterNew York
- ClevelandOhio
- PortlandOregon
- PittsburghPennsylvania
- NashvilleTennessee
- TacomaWashington
- MadisonWisconsin
- MilwaukeeWisconsin
How to use a guide
Start with the rule. Confirm before excavation.
- Locate the failure. A camera inspection and surface markings help distinguish private work from a public-main problem.
- Read the local segments. Responsibility can differ beneath a sidewalk or street.
- Call the named authority. Confirm permits, inspections, assistance, and current contractor requirements before signing a repair contract.