If the repair is yours to pay
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- Your building
- Your part: the whole lateral, up to the connection with the main
- Connection to the main
- Public sewer main
Drawn from the rule quoted on this page. Exceptions above still apply.
Default rule and exceptions
The entire sewer lateral, from the Pittsburgh Water sewer main to the internal plumbing, is the property owner's responsibility; Pittsburgh Water maintains the sewer main and a small portion at the joint, known as a wye.
| Party | What they are responsible for |
|---|---|
| Property owner | Responsible for the entire sewer lateral, which runs from the sewer main to the internal plumbing. |
| City / utility | Pittsburgh Water maintains the sewer main and a small portion at the joint, known as a wye. |
| Exceptions | None on record |
What the source says
Last verified against the primary source on Oct 9, 2026.
A sewer lateral runs from the Pittsburgh Water sewer main to your internal plumbing. The entire sewer lateral is the responsibility of both residential and commercial property owners. Pittsburgh Water maintains the sewer main and a small portion at the joint, which is known as a wye.
If it is a broken or clogged sewer main, we are responsible. If it is a broken or clogged sewer lateral, the property owner is responsible.
City rules rest on state law. Read Pennsylvania's sidewalk statute, quoted verbatim, or see all 50 states in one table.
Common questions
Who pays for sewer lateral in Pittsburgh, PA?
The property owner. Responsible for the entire sewer lateral, which runs from the sewer main to the internal plumbing.
What is this based on for Pittsburgh, PA?
This verdict is sourced to Pipe Ownership and 2 sources in total, each independently re-checked before publication.
Sources
- Pipe Ownershipofficial-guide · verified-primary · accessed 2026-10-09
- Sewage Backupsofficial-guide · verified-primary · accessed 2026-10-09
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