Who is responsible for the sewer line in Atlanta?

By provider

• City of Atlanta: ATL311 says maintenance and repair of the entire sewer service lateral is the property owner's responsibility (ATL311).
• DeKalb: the county's pipeline manual says a sanitary sewer lateral on private property stays in private ownership and its maintenance is the owner's responsibility (DeKalb County).
• Gwinnett: the private lateral extends to the edge of the right-of-way, and owners maintain the entire lateral including the connection to the public sewer (Gwinnett County).

Why the city may ask about easements

ATL311 says city employees don't have legal authority to work on private property without an easement, a legal document granting access (ATL311). That's why the city may research easements before it can touch a sewer problem on your lot.

When to call the city

For a possible sewer spill, ATL311 lists 404-546-0311 (ATL311). Sewage overflowing from a manhole is outside the home and the city's to look at; backups inside your drains often start in your own line.

Insurance

The Insurance Information Institute says the homeowner's responsibility includes any part of the lateral that extends into the street or public right-of-way (Insurance Information Institute), and that sewer backup coverage is often an add-on (Insurance Information Institute).

Common questions

What about tree roots from the city's tree?

The Insurance Information Institute says cleanup usually falls to the tree's owner, and that costs are sometimes split when city and private trees are both involved (Insurance Information Institute). Ask the provider in writing.

And the water line?

See who is responsible for the water line.