Sewer Line Repair / Blog / Sewer line responsibility
Who Is Responsible for the Sewer Line in Beverly, MA? Homeowner vs City Explained
In Beverly, the homeowner is responsible for the sewer line from the building to the street line. The City of Beverly Department of Public Services is responsible for the main sewer from the street line out.
Where your part of the sewer line ends
Your house connects to the city sewer through a sewer lateral. That is the pipe that runs from your building toward the street. The point where it meets the street line is the dividing mark.
Everything on your side of that line is yours to fix. That includes the pipe under your lawn, driveway and walkway. It also includes any cleanout, and the connection at your foundation.
Past the street line, the pipe is part of the city sewer system. If the main in the street is blocked or broken, call the Department of Public Services.
How to tell if the problem is yours or the city's
Many backups look the same from inside the house. A camera inspection settles it. The camera shows where the damage is, and how far it sits from your foundation.
- Damage between the house and the street line: this is the homeowner’s repair.
- Damage in the street, or in the main: this is a city matter.
- Neighbors have backups too: the main may be involved. Tell the city.
Our sewer line camera inspection shows what is wrong and how far it sits from your foundation.
What this means for repair costs
If the problem is on your side, you pay for the repair. Costs vary by the kind of fix. A spot repair costs less than a full replacement, and trenchless options can save your yard. See our sewer line replacement cost guide for Boston area ranges.
Check your homeowners policy as well. Many policies do not cover wear and age, and sewer backup coverage is often an add on.
Older homes, more risk
About 35 percent of Beverly homes were built in 1939 or earlier. Their sewer pipes may be clay, cast iron or Orangeburg. These materials crack, rust or flatten with age, and clay soil and tree roots add to the damage. If you own an older home, a camera inspection is a smart first step. It is also worth doing before you buy.
What to do next
- Stop using water if you have a backup.
- Call a sewer line contractor for a camera inspection.
- Find out which side of the street line the damage is on.
- Call the city if the main is involved, then have the repair done on your side.
Need help now? Read about sewer line repair in Beverly or sewer line replacement.
Sources: City of Beverly code, ecode360.com/29321144. Housing age from Point2 Homes Beverly demographics. Confirm current rules with the City of Beverly.
Sewer line trouble in Beverly? Call Harborline.
Tell us what you see. We start with a camera so you know what is wrong before you decide on a fix.