The consensus view is that the city itself is responsible for the maintenance and repair of any pipes that run from your property line to the municipal water main or sewage system. By contrast, then, homeowners are personally responsible for the lines that run from the property line into their home.
In most cases, home insurance will cover sewer line damage from specific events. This includes extreme weather (excluding earthquakes and floods), vandalism, fire, and damage from vehicles or falling objects.
The Private Sewer Lateral, also known as “Sewer Lateral” and “Service Lateral Line,” is a pipe that conveys a property's wastewater to the public sewer main in the street. Maintenance and repair of the full length of the Private Sewer Lateral is the responsibility of the property owner.
Clogged Drains and Sewers
Clogged drains within individual units are typically the responsibility of the unit owner . Clogs in common areas or those affecting multiple units are usually the HOA's responsibility . Main sewer lines and shared plumbing infrastructure fall under the HOA's purview .
Every year, sewer backups cause damage to millions of households. Many homeowners may not know that they tend to be responsible for the maintenance and repair of the pipeline between their city's sewer main and their building, and if it gets damaged or clogged, it's financially their responsibility to remedy the issue.
In California State Auto Ass'n Bureau v. City of Palo Alto (2006) 138 Cal. App. 4th 474, 483, the City was made liable for homeowner's property damage as a result of a raw sewage backup into their home caused by a blockage that occurred in the sewage main owned and operated by the city.
Sewers and lateral drains connected to the public network used to be the responsibility of the property owner. However, most are now maintained by local water companies. If you have any problems with your sewer or lateral drain, for example if it's blocked, contact your local water company.
What are the HOA's Plumbing Responsibilities in California? Most of the time, the HOA is responsible for shared pipes. Main water lines and sewage lines, which connect to multiple units, will need to be paid for and repaired by the HOA.
Most homeowners associations may be responsible for HOA storm water drainage if considered part of the common elements. The community's governing documents may also have provisions outlining the HOA's responsibility regarding drainage and sewer lines.
It's crucial to understand that while the condo association handles the main vertical lines and risers, you're accountable for the drain lines from your unit to these main lines . To maintain your pipes effectively: Conduct regular inspections to check for leaks under sinks, around toilets, and near appliances .
Can sewerage and sewage be used interchangeably? No! Sewerage and sewage are regularly used interchangeably, however, this is actually incorrect. Sewage refers to the waste that is discharged, whereas sewerage/sewers are the structure that the discharge goes into.
All the drains in your home lead to one main sewer line, which goes into the municipal system or to your septic tank system. Knowing the location of your sewer line is crucial, especially when issues arise involving clogs, backups or breaks.
Generally speaking, you're going to find that most main sewer lines will only last somewhere between 50 and 100 years before you need to do a main sewer line replacement. You could very well have a broken sewer line on your hands right now and not even realize it.
Sewer line coverage varies in cost but can generally be obtained for $5 to $15 per month, depending on your property size and the area in which you live. Because sewer line incidents often cost upwards of $10,000 to repair, many homeowners consider sewer line coverage a good investment.
As a general rule, sewer line repairs are considered to be standard home maintenance expenses, which means you are not eligible for a tax break on your personal income tax returns.
Drainage directed from gutters, downspouts or other private systems to neighboring properties is a civil matter between the property owners. Driveways, and their associated culverts or bridges, that cross public drainage systems (e.g., that cross over ditches or streams) are also property owner responsibilities.
As a general rule, individual condo owners are responsible for the maintenance and repair of plumbing fixtures and drains within their own units. This includes addressing clogs, leaks, and any other issues that arise within the pipes and drains that serve only their unit.
BACKYARD DRAINAGE CONTRACTORS CAN HELP!
If you have pooling water in your yard, or need a retaining walls contractor to handle wetness coming through a retaining wall, you should contact backyard drainage contractors such as Weinstein Construction for some help in mitigating this dangerous condition.
Homeowners insurance typically covers losses resulting from a sudden malfunction, such as a pipe bursting unexpectedly. However, a homeowners policy won't cover slow, constant leaks or other plumbing problems resulting from neglect or improper maintenance.
In California, tenants do not have to pay for plumbing problems in rental properties unless the issue is a result of their negligence or is specifically outlined in the lease agreement. Landlords are generally responsible for maintaining and repairing plumbing systems to provide habitable living conditions for tenants.
While an HOA's governing documents tend to be more specific, some state laws indicate an association's default maintenance responsibilities. California is one example, with Civil Code Section 4775 stating that an HOA is responsible for common area repairs, maintenance, and replacements unless otherwise provided in the ...
In most apartments, you will be responsible for paying electricity, gas, and internet/cable bills. Landlords will typically cover the water, sewage and garbage.
Tree roots can grow into and obstruct the sewer lines; or extraordinary amounts of rainfall can infiltrate the system and overload it. The courts have made it clear that the city is liable for sewer back-up damages if, and only if, the city's negligence causes damages.
Who is Responsible for the Water Line From the Street to Your House? Water service lines within the bounds of your property are considered your personal responsibility to maintain, while public water pipes outside of private property lines are the city's responsibility.