As a homeowner you are responsible for your pipes from the house to the the municipal utility connection point.

A sewer backup occurs when sewage flows back into a building due to a blockage, typically from tree roots or other debris. This often results in sewage flooding the lowest level, like a basement, through floor or shower drains, posing health risks and damaging the area. Tree roots, attracted to the water and nutrients in the sewer, obstruct the flow, causing blockages that lead to backups. While cleaning devices can temporarily remove the roots and restore flow, the roots often grow back, making it a recurring issue.

Sewer pipe relining or replacing the sewer lateral can permanently resolve sewage backups. Relining the lateral provides a brand new single continuous pipe that prevents entry of tree roots and has a 50-year transferable warranty.

A sewer lateral collapse occurs when the underground pipe connecting a building to the city’s sewer system fails due to age, tree roots, ground movement, or corrosion. This can cause sewage to stop draining properly. The typical solution involves digging a deep trench to replace the pipe, which can be costly and disruptive. Regular sewer video inspections and relining can help prevent this by detecting issues before they lead to collapse.