We had a small water backup in our downstairs bathroom-had the Drain Doctor over they did what they could and we were told we may have a cracked sewer pipe, had the camera brought in and showed about six feet out on our property trees limbs were clogging things up not sure if there is an actual break in the pipes just yet. We were told of course what is on our property and in the street to the main we would be responsible for, I can see us paying what is on our property but not in the street. This makes no sense that we have to pay for the public street main pipe and also found out we would have to dig up across the street on someone else's property. The manhole to the street is in our neighbor across the streets basement. Can I receive free public records of how the pipes are ran in my neighborhood and find out who is actually responsible for fixing this mess. I plan to pay my share but not have to pay what the city should be fixing.
Thanks :(

I would check with the Building Department in your area but in the Tampa Bay Area, (and that covers a lot of citys and towns) If the problem's on your property it's on you but if it's from the city raiser on out in the street the city foots the bill. Good luck, Tom

Very confused by" The manhole to the street is in our neighbor across the streets basement."
Generally the sewer main runs down the centre of the road and has connections running into each house.
There should be a manhole on the street every 150 feet.
The actual placement varies for different reasons.
If you have a video that shows roots you should be able to measure out how far they are from your basement.
I agree with Speedball check with the City authority to find out the rules in your area.
If its only roots in the line they can be augured out and you can have a liner installed. This can be done most of the time without digging.
If you have only had one sewer back up I wouldn't worry about it yet.
In my area we clean out the sewer lines at no charge if the blockage is on City property, the homeowner pays if the blockage is on private property.
The same goes for repairs if they need to be done.

I had a similar problem with one of my rentals. A root had grown into the pipe and the sewer backed up. The local plumber guy told me that I had a broken pipe and he needed $2000 to dig up the my entire back yard and replace the pipe. I called the sewer company and they sent someone over for free, to see what they thought as to whether the break was on my property or theirs. The sewer company looked at it said that it was on my property but didn't need to be replaced. He went to his truck got the tool to clear the drain was done in ten minutes. No charge.

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Originally Posted by mac123

We had a small water backup in our downstairs bathroom-had the Drain Doctor over they did what they could and we were told we may have a cracked sewer pipe, had the camera brought in and showed about six feet out on our property trees limbs were clogging things up not sure if there is an actual break in the pipes just yet. We were told of course what is on our property and in the street to the main we would be responsible for, I can see us paying what is on our property but not in the street. This makes no sense that we have to pay for the public street main pipe and also found out we would have to dig up across the street on someone elses property. The manhole to the street is in our neighbor across the streets basement. Can I receive free public records of how the pipes are ran in my neighborhood and find out who is actually responsible for fixing this mess. I plan to pay my share but not have to pay what the city should be fixing.
Thanks :(

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I know you asked this a long time ago, but I'm a civil engineer and make plans for this sort of thing. The city is responsible of your line up to the right of way line. I would contact the city, they usually are very happy to get the problem corrected.