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Who is responsible for the sewer line in NYC?
In NYC, the property owner is generally responsible for the sewer service line from the building all the way to the connection with the city sewer in the street. The city, through the Department of Environmental Protection, is responsible for the public sewer main. If the street sewer is backing up, call 311.
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The short answer
| Section | Who’s responsible |
|---|---|
| Drains and pipes inside the building | Owner |
| House trap and building main | Owner |
| Service line under the yard, sidewalk and street to the city connection | Owner |
| City sewer main in the street, manholes, street catch basins | NYC DEP |
Why it matters
The service line can run 20 to 100 feet or more under the sidewalk and street, and repairs there are expensive. Knowing it’s your responsibility is why we recommend a camera inspection when lines keep clogging and a pre-purchase scope before buying.
Is it your line or the city’s?
Probably yours if:
- Only your building is backing up.
- It started gradually, with slow drains first.
- Clearing your main fixes it.
Possibly the city’s if:
- Neighbors on the block are backing up at the same time.
- Water is coming out of the street catch basin or a manhole.
- The camera shows your line is open all the way to the city sewer.
In that second case, report it to 311 so DEP can inspect the main.
What to do
- Stop water use if anything is backing up.
- Call us to clear and camera your line.
- If the camera shows your line is clear, report the city sewer to 311 and keep the footage.
Common questions
Does the city fix my sewer line if it breaks under the sidewalk?
Generally no. The service line from your building to the city sewer, including the part under the sidewalk and street, is the owner's responsibility.
When should I call 311?
When several buildings on your block are backing up at the same time, when water is coming out of a street catch basin or manhole, or when a camera inspection shows your line is clear to the city sewer.
Does my homeowners insurance cover the sewer line?
Standard policies often exclude the service line and sewer backup unless you've added coverage. Check your policy and ask your agent about sewer line and backup riders.
How do I know whether the problem is in my line?
A camera inspection from your cleanout shows the full line to the street. If the blockage is before the city connection, it's yours. If your line is clear, the problem is likely in the city sewer.
Need a drain cleared?
Calls are answered 24 hours a day. A technician looks at the job and confirms your price on site before any work starts.