Sewer laterals are vital to maintaining sanitary standards in residential areas and on public property. It is important to know what can be done in case of a sewer in St. Paul, MN line leak on residential property.
What is a “Sewer Lateral?”
A sewer lateral is part of the sanitary sewer line that connects the structure’s plumbing to the city/county’s sewer system. The sewer lateral is generally found on private property, and the sewer in St. Paul, MN is generally located on public grounds, and below roads.
The Implications of Poor Sewer Lateral Systems
Here are the public health implications of a poor sewer lateral system in St. Paul, MN:
1. Improperly secured sewer laterals leak raw sewage into the ground.
2. Flood water from storms force pressure on the sewer lateral lines, overloading the system. This can cause backups, sewer overflows, and could potentially overload wastewater treatment facilities, which poses more sanitary issues.
Homes that were built prior to 1950 are at risk of sewer line problems if the original sewer lateral has not ever been replaced.
How the Sewer Lateral Affects the Homeowner
If there is a leak on private property, and it is found on the homeowner’s side, then the homeowner is responsible for paying for any and all repairs. However, if the leak is found on the public side of the sewer lateral, then the local utility company is responsible for paying for the repairs.
When a homeowner buys a house, they essentially assume liability for all leaks on the homeowner’s side.
One cause for underground leaks is when the sewer lateral pipes are being covered with fresh dirt. If heavy chunks of concrete inadvertently get buried in the loose dirt directly above the water or sewer pipes, the weight of the concrete can shift in the ground. This underground pressure can cause elbows and connectors on PVC pipes to come loose, spewing sewage water until it gushes forth from the ground.
Such an incident as described above will cause a loss of water pressure to the home, and also come with a hefty water bill on the monthly billing cycle.
If the local utility comes out to repair it, they will tell the homeowner to call the utility company and ask for a discount or credit for a water leak.
Drain King, Inc. is a professional sewer and drain cleaning company serving the Twin cities and surrounding areas. If you have any questions regarding sewer laterals, please do not hesitate to visit website.
