Sewer Repair
Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) maintains over 1,200 miles of sewer pipes throughout the city. To continue providing reliable sewer services to our customers, SPU maintains and rehabilitates our sewer pipes with:
- Sewer Replacement
- Spot Sewer Repairs: This work involves removing and replacing smaller sections of pipe that is cracked or damaged.
- Full Line Replacement: These projects replace a longer stretch of pipe (approximately the length of a block) with a new pipe.
- Sewer Lining: This non-excavation work rehabilitates pipes by installing a Cure in Place Pipe (CIPP) that lines the inside of the existing pipe.
- Maintenance Work: SPU Drainage and Wastewater Maintenance Crews respond to emergency repair needs and perform ongoing maintenance of our sewer system.
SPU also invests in sewer infrastructure and drainage improvements throughout the city. Please review our current projects and completed projects to learn more about our investments in pump station upgrades, combined sewer overflow reduction, natural drainage systems, creek culvert replacements, and more.
Crews dig for an open-trench spot sewer repair.
What to Expect During Construction
SPU performs necessary repairs and upgrades to our systems and facilities, we know that this work is impactful to community. SPU project teams work hard to identify ways to minimize these construction impacts.
To achieve this, our project teams share project updates to inform residents and businesses about the work and engage directly with community to identify mitigations when construction impacts are expected to be particularly disruptive.
As with most construction, utility projects may result in:
- Increased noise, dirt, dust, and/or vibrations
- Construction traffic and staging of large equipment in the area
- Lane or road closures with possible detours
- Parking restrictions in or near the work area
- Some construction projects may require temporary service disruptions
Whether it is SPU crews performing maintenance or a contractor doing construction, safety is a top priority. We ask that you please respect on-site signage. remain a safe distance from the construction site, and follow construction safety best practices.
