Responsibility for a broken sewer pipe usually depends on where the damage is located. Homeowners are generally responsible for the sewer lateral, which connects the home’s plumbing system to the municipal sewer main. This includes the portion of the pipe running under the yard, driveway, or sidewalk.
The city is typically responsible only for the main sewer line located under public streets or public easements. If a sewer issue occurs anywhere along the private sewer lateral, repairs usually fall to the homeowner. A sewer camera inspection can confirm the location of the damage and help determine responsibility before repairs begin.
For Denver-area homeowners, Done! helps identify sewer line problems and explain repair options in clear, straightforward terms, so there are no surprises about next steps.
