Own your home? Then you own your side sewer!
Your Property’s Side Sewer
What is a side sewer?
A side sewer is a privately owned and maintained sewer which connects the plumbing system of the building to the public sewer pipes.
Watch A Side Sewer Saga to see what you can do to avoid costly backups.
Need someone to take a look inside your side sewer?
Look in the Yellow Pages under plumbing, drains, and sewer cleaning, or look online under sewer inspection.
Need to have your side sewer repaired?
Look again in the Yellow Pages or online under plumbing, drains, and sewer cleaning.
- You will need a side sewer permit from the City of Seattle to complete this work. Find out more at: City Requirements for Side Sewers.
- For more tips on side sewer investigation and repair, see Troubleshooting Your Sewer Problem (pdf).
Need to have your side sewer repaired but short on money?
- You may qualify for Seattle Office of Housing’s loan program.
If sewage backs up into your home:
- Your first phone call should be to a plumber.
- If the plumber tells you the problem is beyond your side sewer, call Seattle Public Utilities at (206) 386-1800.
How do I clean up after sewage backs up into my home?
Thorough cleaning of indoor sewage spills is necessary to protect people -- especially small children -- from harmful bacteria and viruses. Clean-up should begin as soon as possible to reduce the risk of exposure to sewage.
- Clean Up the Back Up (pdf) is SPU’s guide to safe clean up. For even more detailed cleanup tips, go to King County Public Health.