Cast iron sewer pipe in an Atlanta home: what to know

Who owns the pipe

ATL311 says the entire sewer service lateral is the property owner's responsibility (ATL311). DeKalb and Gwinnett put the private lateral on the owner as well; see who is responsible for the sewer line.

Roots and cracks

The Insurance Information Institute says tree and shrub roots work into sewer line cracks and joints and can cause extensive damage or blockages as they grow. A cracked or root-filled lateral also lets groundwater into the system (Insurance Information Institute). Gwinnett County advises against planting deep-rooted trees or shrubs near your lateral (Gwinnett County).

Inspection

Gwinnett County suggests having your private lateral inspected by a licensed plumber, and adding a lateral inspection when buying a house (Gwinnett County). A plumber usually runs the camera through the sewer cleanout.

Backwater valves

If a fixture on your bottom level, such as a basement toilet, sits below the next upstream manhole, Gwinnett County says Georgia plumbing code requires a sanitary backwater valve, and the county may not be responsible for backup damage if a required valve is missing (Gwinnett County). The Insurance Information Institute describes a backwater valve as letting sewage out but not back in (Insurance Information Institute).

Permits and insurance

Atlanta's plumbing permit form lists replacing underground piping and installing building sewers among work that needs a permit (City of Atlanta). For coverage questions, see cast iron pipes and insurance.

Common questions

Repair or replace?

A plumber can tell you after a camera inspection whether the problem is one section or the whole run. Ask for the video.