Side Sewers: What You Don’t Know Can Hurt You

Whether you’ve lived in your home for years, or you’re a new owner, it’s important to find out the state of your drains and sewers before there’s a problem.

A big unknown for many homeowners is the “side sewer.” This is the pipe that connects your home’s plumbing system to the municipal sewer main in the street. As a homeowner, it’s your responsibility to maintain the side sewer and to pay for any necessary repairs.

Side sewer repairs can be costly, so it makes sense to have an expert inspect the sewer and take care of any problems before you have a pipe break disaster. Nobody wants raw sewage backing up in the yard or house.

“It’s a case where paying for an ounce of prevention is definitely better than what you’ll have to pay to clean up any amount of raw sewage,” said Drain Pro Plumbing owner Raman. “If you do need a side sewer repair,” Raman noted, “your responsibility also includes repairing any part of the public street or sidewalk that may be involved in fixing the problem.”

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Drain Pro has advanced equipment, Raman said, to locate your side sewer pipe and inspect it. “We use a special video camera probe to and find out exactly what the condition of the pipe is all the way down to the public sewer main in the street.”

If you own an older house, the pipe materials may have reached the limit of their life expectancy. But with Seattle’s rainy weather, even newer pipes can break down. Heavy rain can cause earth around pipes to shift, and growing tree roots can also put pressure on pipes.

Often homeowners don’t even know where the side sewer is located. The Seattle Department of Construction and Records can provide a map of your side sewer’s location.

“We are experts in drains, pipes, and sewers,” Raman said. “If there’s a problem with your side sewer, we’ll solve it. We guarantee our work, we’re licensed and insured, and we’ll give you a fair price. That’s why we have a a 2016 Super Service Award on Angie’s List, with 350+ all-A reviews.”

Check out Drain Pro’s services and call for a free estimate: 253-236-5000.