Who Is Responsible for Sewer Line Repair: City or Homeowner?

When a sewer line backs up or cracks under the street, homeowners often assume: "The pipe is under public property, so the city will pay to fix it."

Unfortunately, in Arvada, Westminster, Golden, and almost all Colorado municipalities, the homeowner is responsible for the entire lateral sewer line, from the house cleanout all the way to where it connects to the municipal main sewer line (the tap), even if that connection lies beneath the public street or sidewalk.

Understanding the Lateral Line vs. the Sewer Main

Your sewer system is divided into two parts:

• The Sewer Lateral: This is the pipe that carries wastewater from your home toilets, sinks, and drains out to the municipal street. Homeowners own and must maintain this entire pipe.
• The Sewer Main: This is the large collector pipe managed by the city. It runs under the middle of the street. The city is responsible for repairs to this main line.

The "Sewer Tap" Grey Area

The connection point where your lateral pipe joins the city main is called the "tap". If the tap itself breaks or becomes blocked by city tree roots, the responsibility rules vary slightly by city. In Arvada, the property owner is generally responsible for keeping the tap clean, while structural repairs under the street may require city permits and coordination.

Always check your local city municipal code. If you suspect a break is close to the city main, an HD camera inspection can locate the exact distance of the break to determine if it falls under your jurisdiction.