Olympia and Lacey side sewers: who owns the pipe

Olympia

• The cleanout belongs to the property owner. The City requires it within one foot of the sidewalk or property line, on your side. (City of Olympia)
• Whoever owns each stretch, the owner has to clear blockages between the house and the main. The City does not remove roots or blockages in a side sewer. (City of Olympia)
• A repair anywhere outside the building footprint, out to the cleanout and into the street, needs a City permit. (Olympia permit checklist)
• Work in the City right-of-way needs a licensed and bonded contractor, and the contractor needs a current Olympia business license. (Olympia permit checklist)

Lacey

Lacey's code makes the owner responsible for the line from two feet outside the foundation wall to the main. (LMC 14.06.015) The City's sewer guidelines also put maintenance of the side sewer on the owner. (Lacey sewer guidelines)

Neither page lists a fee for a side sewer repair permit. Ask the City's permit desk what applies before the work starts.

Questions for the plumber

1. Where is my cleanout, and can you run a camera from there to the main?
2. Does the repair stay on my property, or does it reach the cleanout and the street?
3. In Olympia: will you pull the side sewer permit, and are you licensed and bonded to work in the right-of-way?
4. What is your contractor number? I will check it on L&I Verify.

Next

If sewage is backing up now, read what to do in a sewer backup. To choose a plumber, see how to hire an emergency plumber or browse plumbers in Olympia.