Sewer line repair in Webster Groves

Last reviewed October 30, 2026

Webster Groves homes skew old, and older homes tend to sit on older sewer pipe. The city has a lateral repair program that can pay part of a repair, but its terms have shifted over the years, so check before you sign a contract.

Why laterals fail here

Housing data shows about 36% of Webster Groves homes were built before 1939 and about 40% between the 1940s and 1960s. Homes built before the 1970s may have clay, cast iron, or Orangeburg pipe, which crack, shift, and collapse more readily than modern PVC. Mature trees add to the problem, because roots work their way into joints in aging pipe.

The city's lateral repair program

The city funds a sewer lateral repair program through an annual fee on residential property. The Webster-Kirkwood Times has reported that the program pays 80% of authorized costs to repair a defective lateral, and that the city moved to raise the annual fee from $28 toward a maximum of $50 as the fund ran low. Those articles are the most recent coverage we found, and the fee, the percentage, and the fund balance may have changed since.

Call the city before you hire anyone. Ask what the program pays today, whether you have to apply first, whether funds are available, and whether you must use particular contractors.

Before you hire

Get a camera inspection and keep the video
Find out whether the defect is under the yard, the street, or the house
Get at least two or three written bids for the same scope
Confirm the contractor's St. Louis County license
Ask who pulls the permit and who schedules the inspection

Buying or selling in Webster Groves

Some St. Louis County cities have rules about sewer laterals at sale. We have not confirmed Webster Groves' current rules, so ask the city or your agent. See also our guide to sewer scopes before buying.

Common questions

Does Webster Groves have a sewer lateral repair program?

Yes. Local news coverage describes a city program funded by an annual fee on residential property. Fee amounts, the percentage paid, and available funds have changed over time, so confirm current terms with the city.

Who owns the sewer pipe under my Webster Groves home?

You own the lateral from the house to the MSD main. MSD owns the main.

How much does a sewer lateral repair cost in Webster Groves?

Published figures from nearby cities run from about $1,000 to $8,500 for typical repairs. A camera inspection and written bids give you a real number for your line.

Sources

Program details come from the city documents above and can change. Confirm current terms with your city before you hire anyone.