What sewer pipe belongs to me?

The pipe connecting a business or residence to the public sewer main is called a "private service lateral" or a "house service lateral." It is owned by and is the responsibility of the property owner.

Service Laterals

The length of your private house service sewer lateral can vary according to where on the lot your house sits and where the sewer main is. You own the entire pipe before the connection to the public main, however long a distance that is. That means that you probably do own sewer lateral that passes under the pavement on its way to the main.

Where Is It?

Since 1987 the District has required developers to supply "as-builts" that show where service laterals were installed. However for installations before that time or private installations any time, there is no public record of the work done on private property. We don't know where the private service runs, how long it is, or of what material it was constructed.

How Can I Find Out?

Observations such as looking for pipe exiting your basement or crawl space can be helpful. We can give "educated guesses" of where the public service that probably services your home or residence is. However, the only sure way to know is to hire an experienced plumber to explore this for you.

Why Should I Care?

We urge you to call the DeKalb Sanitary District at 758-3513 first whenever you experience a slow-down or stoppage of your sewer lines. We will send out our crews to check the public sanitary sewers servicing your area to be sure that they are flowing as they should. If not, we will correct that situation and probably relieve your problem as well. In many cases, however, the blockage will be in your private service lateral and will require you or your plumber to clear it.

Preventing Private Problems

  • Many problems with blocking or even collapsing of house or business service laterals is caused by tree roots that grow into and through the pipes, blocking or crushing them. Removing trees that grown over the path of the service lateral can go a long way in preventing problems.
  • Private service laterals are not very large in diameter. Often they are only a few inches wide. They are intended for the passage of water and soluble waste. Flushing insoluble paper, plastic or even food and vegetables can quickly block them.
  • Grease is also a frequent cause of blocked pipes. While hot water may cause it to "melt," it quickly reforms into a solid plug that prevents the flow and causes backups.
  • In some instances, lateral pipe is crumbling due to age or substandard construction materials. Thinking ahead and having the situation evaluated and assessed by a plumber can make it possible to replace private lateral pipe before it causes problems.

Root Problems

More about Grease

What Not to Flush

Lateral Assistance Program

The DeKalb Sanitary District budgets $15,000 each fiscal year to be spent on a 50/50 basis with the City of DeKalb for grants and loans to homeowners who need financial assistance to make necessary sewer lateral repairs.

How to Apply

It is necessary to make application to this program before the work is done.

Grants and loans are administered on the basis of financial need.

Jamie Smirz
City of DeKalb Office of Community Services
City of DeKalb Municipal Building Annex, Suite A
223 South Fourth Street, DeKalb

accepts applicants to the Block Grant Program.
Call her at 815 748-2371.

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