Are Homeowners Responsible for Sewer Line Maintenance & Repairs in Pennsylvania?

Homeownership comes with many responsibilities and expenses, including home repairs and maintenance. Keeping your sewer and drain system healthy can be especially challenging since much of it is hidden in your walls, floors, and the ground beneath your home.

What may surprise many Pennsylvania residents is that a small portion of the main sewer line, known as the building sewer, is the homeowners’ responsibility to maintain and repair as needed.

Schedule sewer and drain services with the professionals at Signature HVAC. Call 610-738-8310 today.

What’s the Building Sewer?

The pipe that connects your home to the public sewer system is called the building sewer. It extends from your foundation or basement wall to the main sewer line at the street or easement.

Because building sewers are part of your property, it’s your responsibility as the homeowner to maintain and repair them.

Sewer Line Maintenance

Routine maintenance and preventative care are the best ways to protect your sewer line. This includes scheduling regular sewer line inspections and drain cleaning services to ensure your pipes are free of clogs and tree roots.

Building Sewer Repair

It’s common for building sewers to have cleanouts to allow the pipe to be cleared if clogged. However, a broken or damaged cleanout can allow water into the line in the event of heavy rain, which will bring debris that can create a clog.

A professional plumber like those at Signature HVAC can ensure your building sewer is cleared of any clogs and your cleanouts aren’t damaged.

Signs You Need a Sewer Line Repair

These are signs to look out for that mean something is wrong with your sewer line:

• Slow or clogged drains
• Strong smell of sewage around your home
• Drains often make gurgling noises
• Puddling, soft spots, or patches of lush grass in your yard
• Sudden increase in pests in or around your home

Do Home Insurance Policies Cover Sewer Line Repairs?

Whether you’re covered for building sewer repairs depends on your specific homeowners policy and any additional home warranties you may have.

Typically, basic policies don’t cover repairs due to normal wear and tear or tree root infiltration, but they may be covered by sudden damage like that from a heavy object falling on the line. If you’re not sure what you’re covered for, we recommend reviewing your policy.

Choose Signature HVAC

The professional plumbers at Signature HVAC are here for all your sewer and drain needs throughout West Chester. With our video line sewer inspections, we can identify the exact location and source of any clog.

We also offer hydro jetting and drain cleaning services to keep your sewer line and drains flowing. Our team is available 24/7 for emergency repairs to ensure any problem is addressed quickly and effectively.

For sewer and drain services you can trust, choose Signature HVAC today. Call 610-738-8310 to get started.