WATER & SEWER RESPONSIBILITY

Who Is Responsible for a Broken Sewer Line?

In Dallas the owner is responsible for the sewer lateral from the house to the property line; the City maintains it from the property line to the main.

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By PlumberDallas.com editorialUpdated October 14, 2026

The rule

Dallas City Code Sec. 49-24 assigns the City the wastewater connection "from the main to the property line."

Figuring out where the break is

A sewer camera inspection with locating shows where the defect is. If the main itself is overflowing, call 311.

Repair options

See sewer repair vs replacement.

Cost information

Published ranges with sources: Sewer Line Repair Cost. These are not quotes.

Sources

Official sources, checked October 2026. Rules and fees change; confirm current requirements with the issuing agency.

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