A side sewer connects a building’s plumbing to the main sewer line, and is the property owner’s responsibility. Blockages and leaks can occur, and backflow can be a health hazard. Some communities offer programs for inspections and repairs.
A side sewer is a sewer that connects a structure to the main sewer line. Technically, a side sewer should have no tributary, but on a multifamily property, the side sewer can actually split to reach the plumbing of several residences. Side sewer connects a home’s internal plumbing with sewer lines that carry waste for treatment and processing.
Technically, the side sewer is the property owner’s responsibility. When someone builds a new building, he has to pay for the hookup to the sewer, including placing a lateral and placing meters to monitor usage. Monthly fees must also be paid, usually based on how much water is introduced into a structure, with the logic that what goes in must go out. However, once installed, accountability can become nebulous.
The problem is that while a side sewer belongs on the property, if a problem develops, it can become a public health problem. This means that officials can sometimes step in to address a problem, even if it’s not their legal responsibility, in the interest of people’s safety. Many communities have programs available that pay for sidewall inspections and cover the cost of repairs. These programs ensure that problems such as hangs and freezes are fixed before they become a problem.
The most common problem that occurs in the lateral is a blockage. Blockages are cleared by accessing the clean out sewer, a pipe that exits sideways, usually just before entering the structure. A snake and other devices can be inserted into the cleanup to clear the blockage and allow wastewater to flow freely down the side. Leaks and ruptures are another problem, especially in cold climate areas, or when a sidewall is ruptured by construction work, utility placement excavations, and so on.
The side of the sewer is usually designed to flow downhill, so that gravity pulls the contents into the sewer. This helps reduce the risk of backflow, an undesirable situation where raw sewage flows back into domestic pipes such as the shower. However, a blockage can force water to drain into your home plumbing because it has nowhere to go. When backflow occurs, it’s important to bleach the area after the blockage is cleared, as raw sewage can contain harmful microorganisms.
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