STL Sewer Guide

Your sewer line is yours all the way to the main in the street

A plain-English guide to sewer lateral repair in St. Louis County: who pays, what your city's program covers, and what a repair costs.

Get help with a sewer line problemFind your city's program
Cross-section of a house, its sewer lateral, and the MSD main under the street A green pipe runs from the house foundation, under the yard and sidewalk, to the MSD sewer main under the street. A bracket shows the homeowner owns the pipe from the house to the main. Tree roots reach a joint in the pipe. House Roots MSD main Street Your pipe, house to main
The sewer lateral is the pipe from your house to the MSD main. Cities in St. Louis County describe it as the homeowner's responsibility up to the main, including the part under the street.

Start with your suburb

Signs your sewer lateral may be failing

  • Slow drains in more than one fixture, or a toilet that gurgles when the washer drains
  • Sewage smell in the basement, near a floor drain, or in the yard
  • Backups that return after the line has been cleared
  • Wet, soggy, or unusually green patches in the yard, or a sinkhole over the line

None of these prove the lateral is the problem. A camera inspection shows what is going on and where.

How a lateral repair usually goes

  1. Clear the line and look inside. Many city programs require a licensed plumber or drain cleaner to cable the line first. A camera inspection then shows where the defect is.
  2. Find out where the problem sits. Inside the house, in the yard, or under the street? Sections under the house or an attached structure are generally not covered by city programs.
  3. Check your city's program before you hire. Ask what it covers, whether you must apply first, and whether you have to use an approved contractor.
  4. Get written bids. Several cities require three. Even if yours does not, compare what each bid includes.
  5. Permit and inspection. Repairs are typically permitted through the city and St. Louis County and inspected when finished. Program documents call for contractors licensed in St. Louis County.

Who pays for a lateral repair and what repairs cost cover the money side.

Get help with a sewer lateral problem

Tell us what is happening and where. We review each request and, where we can, introduce you to a sewer contractor who works in St. Louis County. There is no charge to you for the introduction.

Sewage backing up into your home right now? Call a licensed plumber directly. This form is not an emergency line.

We share your request only with contractors we are referring you to. Contractors may pay us for referrals. We do not guarantee that a contractor will be available or that any price quoted will apply.