Roots in the line
Tree roots can grow into a lateral through joints and cracks and catch whatever flows past. Cutting them out clears the line, though a damaged section may still need repair.
Sewer Line Repair in Indianapolis
Gurgling drains, sewage in the basement floor drain and a line that clogs again soon after cleaning can mean the sewer lateral itself is damaged. The plumber you hire works out what has failed and repairs or replaces it.
Call for a free estimate. The sections below cover who maintains the lateral and the permit and inspection repairs need.
Fixing a damaged sewer lateral
Repairing one section
Crack or sag confined to one stretch of the lateral? That stretch alone can be dug up and renewed, and the healthy pipe on both sides stays in the ground.
Lining the pipe
A liner set inside the existing lateral seals cracks and joints while the old pipe stays in the ground, and it needs the same permit as a repair.
A new lateral
Breaks along much of its length call for a whole new lateral, laid by the plumber you hire from the foundation out to the connection at the main.
Who maintains the lateral in Indianapolis
Citizens Energy Group, which runs the sanitary sewer system, says a property owner is responsible for maintaining the sanitary sewer lateral from the home to the connection point at the main. That connection may be on the other side of the street.
Pipes age and tree roots grow into them, and a damaged lateral lets groundwater into the sewer. When Citizens finds a source such as a broken lateral or a missing cleanout cap, it sends the owner a letter about the need for immediate repair.
Permits and inspection for lateral work
A repair, a new cleanout, a replacement or a lining all need a Citizens Energy Group sanitary sewer lateral permit before work starts. Only typical cleaning and maintenance goes ahead without one.
Citizens inspects the lateral work before the contractor backfills the trench, and for Indianapolis that contractor must be listed, insured and bonded with the City of Indianapolis.
Your house and its sewer line
Your lateral may be as old as the house above it. Enter that year in the sewer line age checker, and it returns the sewer and water pipe materials in use at the time, with how much of each one’s expected life has passed.
Frequently asked questions
Can I repair my own sewer lateral?
No. Citizens Energy Group says only a licensed contractor or plumber can do repair work on a sewer lateral.
Not every backup means digging, since a plain clog may need only drain cleaning, which Citizens allows without a permit. Leaking supply pipe indoors points to repiping, while the home page links all remaining services.
Call for a free plumbing estimate
Call us to discuss your current issue and how we can assist you. The call is free and you get a free, personalized estimate with no obligation. We're here to help.
Call (855) 321-3426