Who’s Responsible for a Sewer Drain Backup?

March 15, 2023

As some homeowners may have unfortunately learned the hard way, just like sink drain pipes in your house can become clogged with hair, soap buildup, and more, your main sewer drain line can also become clogged and lead to some disastrous results. But whose responsibility is it when someone is dealing with a sewer backup – is the homeowner responsible, or is it on the municipality they live in to cover the damage?

Sewer Backups – A Dirty Business

Every year, sewer backups cause damage to millions of households. Many homeowners may not know that they tend to be responsible for the maintenance and repair of the pipeline between their city’s sewer main and their building, and if it gets damaged or clogged, it’s financially their responsibility to remedy the issue. 

This pipeline, also called the sewer lateral, is generally owned and maintained by the property owner and is, therefore, their responsibility. 

But if the backup occurred due to a problem in the city’s sewer system, it could become their responsibility to take care of it. The city might claim there isn’t enough evidence they neglected the part of the system they maintain that caused a sewer backup on your property, which is when you might need to get sewer backup lawyers involved.

Causes of Sewer Backups

Some sources of sewer drain backup or sewage system leaks include:

• A blockage in a main sewer line
• Worn-out sewer systems that have not been properly maintained or repaired
• Tree roots
• Inadequate or aging drainage structures
• Heavy rainfall 
• …and more

When To Call a Sewer Backup Lawyer

If you’re dealing with sewage backups, flooding, leaks, and other sewer-related damages, you may need to get the assistance of lawyers specially trained in sewer backup claims – especially if you believe the damage is the fault of the city, and they’re trying to shirk responsibility. 

To determine whether it’s appropriate to take legal action to get damage to your property, health, and more from a sewage problem covered, it might be a good idea to seek help from experienced attorneys like those at Phillips Law Group.

If you suspect a sewer backup is already occurring on your property, you should take photos of any damaged items to establish proof and responsibility if legal action is necessary. You should also document any proof of potential health problems due to a sewer drain backup. 

To determine exactly what you’d need to get the city to cover the damages if they are ultimately responsible for a sewer backup on your property, contact the team at Phillips Law Group for a free, no-obligation evaluation. We have experienced attorneys available to help you get the justice you deserve. 

Sewer backups are a dirty business, but our team can help. Give us a call or fill out the form on this page to learn more.