Sewer Repairs

URGENT ISSUES

While digging we broke a sewer service. Can someone help?

Please call the Sewer and Storm Drain Unit at (612) 673-5625. Have the contractor’s name and phone number available and a representative from the Division will work with meet with them to formulate a plan of repair.

My lateral (my sewer line) was broken by a contractor or utility. What should I do?

If a contractor or utility breaks your sewer line, they would be responsible for repairing it, although they may contract the City to do some or all of this work, at their expense.

Do I need a permit to repair my sewer lateral?

Yes. A permit is required to repair the sewer lateral in order to ensure that the work is done properly and is up to the current code.

To get a plumbing permit, contact Minneapolis Development Review at (612) 673-3000.

Who should I call to repair my sanitary sewer service?

You can call any plumbing contractor of your choice as long as they are licensed.

The City provides a list of licensed plumbing contractors. This list is normally revised in January each year. We can’t recommend anyone in particular, though.

There is a public sewer within my property, how can I find out its exact location?

You can either call us, at (612) 673-5625 and we will check our maps or plat prints to see if this line shows, or call Engineering Services at (612) 673-2405 and someone from that area should be able to give you this information.

Where is the location of my private sewer lateral?

The primary provider of this information is Utility Connections at (612) 673-2451.

The Sewer and Storm Drain Unit may assist you in locating your private service in the public right of way. We can tell you where your service taps into the main sewer line, and you can assume that your lateral goes from there to the clean out in your property. We cannot determine the exact location of your private sewer lateral.

Do I need a sewer backwater valve on my sewer lateral?

Call Engineering Services at (612) 673-2406 with a description of your situation.

NON-URGENT ISSUES

Does the City of Minneapolis provide a sewer lateral (cleaning) service?

No. The City only cleans and is only responsible for the main sewer line, which is usually located in the middle of the street.

Does the City fix sewer lines on private property?

No. The resident is responsible for their sewer lateral. The exception to this is if there happens to be a City owned line on an easement or on private property, which is hardly ever the case, but does sometimes exist.

I have a sewer blockage. Can the city determine what it is and where it is?

No, the City can't determine where a blockage is, or what is causing the blockage, within a residential line. We suggest that you have a private company televise your line with a small camera. Many drain cleaning companies offer this service, and we also offer a list of licensed plumbing contractors which may offer this service.

How can I get my sewer lateral repaired so I will not have anymore sewer backups?

Call a plumbing contractor of your choice. We provide a list of licensed plumbing contractors, but we can't give personal recommendations concerning their quality of work.

I paid a plumber to repair my lateral sewer. It turns out the problem was occurring in the public sewer. Can I be reimbursed for my plumbing bill?

Yes, in part. Occasionally, homeowners call a plumber or sewer and drain service to correct a problem with their private lateral sewers, and it turns out that the cause of the problem was a stoppage in the publicly owned sewer. In these instances, the City may reimburse the homeowner for a portion or all of the cost of the plumber or drain service. A claim form can be provided on request.