Each home or commercial building has a separate connection to the public sewer main called a sewer lateral. Under current Municipal Code, Section 14.36.050, it is the property owner's responsibility to maintain and repair the sewer lateral up to the point of connection with the public sewer main. This includes both the portion on private property and the portion located beneath the sidewalk and street. See similar questions...

When homeowners suspect they have a blocked sewer line between their home and the main City sewer, they should contact Toronto Water for assistance: 416-338-ROOT (7668). First response to sewer line blockage, inspection and emergency repair service will be provided by City staff 24 hours a day, seven days a week. After normal business hours, response will be limited to emergency situations where the sewer service lines are completely blocked. See similar questions...

Generally, tree roots get into sewer lines because they are old and leaking and need to be replaced or repaired. It is rare that tree roots will crush a sewer line. If this occurs, please call the Urban Forest Section to have someone inspect the damage. See similar questions...

Tree roots are opportunistic. While they will not crack a sound sewer service or water line, they will exploit cracks or failures in the lines. The best defense against having tree roots in lines is to make sure that your lines are in good condition and that they're not cracked. If you suspect that tree roots are growing into your sewer line, you can have the roots cut out using a process called "rodding". See similar questions...

The Ordinance does not allow for trees to be removed due to sewer complications. Often trees are blamed for sewer line problems when in actuality the problems associated with tree roots are primarily caused by aging porous clay pipes. Once replaced with new plastic pipes tree roots no longer seek out the pipes as they are non-porous. Violations can be reported to (510) 670-5500. The Public Works Agency's Arborist will inspect the violation and provide a response if requested. See similar questions...

The City has adopted a policy to repair broken sewer laterals in City rights-of-ways at no charge to the property owner. The intent of the policy was to reduce the financial burden of the typical property owner because of the expense of excavating in City streets and to minimize the potential hazards to our citizens from possible cave-ins. The property owner is required to hire a company licensed with the City to confirm the lateral is broken and precisely where the break is. See similar questions...

No. The private sewer lateral is not City installed and, therefore, we have no information available. In order to locate your sewer lateral, you will need to contact a private plumber. See similar questions...

Questions regarding: birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, small claims court, traffic court, jury duty, or property boundries See similar questions...

The City has on-line claim forms by clicking here and is available for anyone who has property damage or personal injury caused by the negligence of the organization. Forms can also be obtained in the Personnel Department in City Hall. The claimant should complete the form, filling in answers to all questions. Copies of any receipts, estimates or paid bills should be attached. A representative from the Personnel Department will make contact with the claimant after receiving this information. See similar questions...

Build decking or benching around trees, to relieve pressure on the roots. Install other plants around the base of the tree to divert traffic. Put in more trees and spread out the love! See similar questions...

Yes. A permit is required to repair the sewer lateral. A city engineer will inspect the lateral to validate that the work was performed according to code. If you need guidance as to policies or procedures please contact the Engineering and Construction Division at 650-780-7380. See similar questions...

Roots grow toward water vapor or moisture, by a continuous process (hydrotropism) occurring at the very end of the root. The root grows one cell at a time enabling it to enter the small cracks and joints, which may be present in your pipe. After a root enters a pipe, it divides hundreds of times to form a large mass of tender root ends. This root mass will accumulate a thick coating of grease which will collect up on the root mass until a blockage occurs. See similar questions...

The drain must be snaked and cleaned out, and then certain products may be used to prevent roots form growing any further. If it is a major problem, or if your pipes are blocked, they may need to be replaced. See similar questions...

No. In six years of controlled use, there has been no indication of damage caused from the spike or cross member entering the root ball. Any piercing will, at worst, cause the roots to grow around the impediment. See similar questions...

Call a plumber for private maintenance. If excavation is required on a public right of way, a permit will be needed. Have your plumber contact the City of Del Mar Planning Department for an Encroachment Permit prior to excavation in the public street right-of-way. See similar questions...

A sewer lateral is the pipe that carries the wastewater from the house to the sanitary sewer main line in the street. Every building receiving sewer service from Redwood City has at least one sewer lateral. See similar questions...

Local hardware stores have a chemical for removing tree roots. This will kill the roots that are in the service line. See similar questions...

Yes. City approval is very accommodating for repair work. Simply come down to City Hall and fill out a one-page "Utility Permit" form. This form notifies the City of the intended work, and enables the City to assist you with any specific issues you may have regarding your site. After your contractor has performed the repair, and prior to backfilling, contact the City at 970-879-2060 to request an inspection. See similar questions...

If the Inspector determines that a flag's defects are only due to tree roots, and that there are no other non-tree related defects on such flags, then these flags will be replaced at no cost if the City replaces your sidewalk. See similar questions...