The sewer line runs from the house to the city main, and the responsibility splits at the property line. Knowing the split saves the surprise bill.
The house side
The sewer line on the property is the owner's responsibility. freezing winters put stress on exposed lines, and many older homes still have aging galvanized pipes In Milwaukee, the house-side line is the owner's repair.
The city side
The main sewer under the street is the city's responsibility. freezing winters put stress on exposed lines, and many older homes still have aging galvanized pipes In Milwaukee, the main is the utility's job.
The boundary
The property line or the cleanout marks the split. freezing winters put stress on exposed lines, and many older homes still have aging galvanized pipes In Milwaukee, the boundary is the guide.
The backup
A backup in the house-side line is the owner's, and a main blockage is the city's. freezing winters put stress on exposed lines, and many older homes still have aging galvanized pipes In Milwaukee, the diagnosis decides.
The insurance
Sewer line coverage is an add-on to many homeowners' policies. freezing winters put stress on exposed lines, and many older homes still have aging galvanized pipes In Milwaukee, the rider covers the house-side line.
The camera
A camera inspection shows where the problem sits and who owns it. freezing winters put stress on exposed lines, and many older homes still have aging galvanized pipes In Milwaukee, the camera settles the question.
The call
Know the split before the emergency. Call 888-217-3585 and Milwaukee Plumbing Helpers will match you with a Milwaukee pro for the camera check.
Plumbing in Milwaukee: what to know
In Milwaukee, freezing winters put stress on exposed lines, and many older homes still have aging galvanized pipes. Pros in our network know the local quirks and bring the right parts on the first visit.
Across Milwaukee County — from Wauwatosa, Shorewood and Glendale to ZIP codes like 53210, 53208, 53216 — homeowners deal with the same kinds of issues. The tips above apply locally, and when a job goes beyond a quick fix, a vetted local pro is only a call away.
Need a hand in Milwaukee?
If a plumbing issue is beyond a quick fix, don't wait for it to get worse. Call 888-217-3585 and Milwaukee Plumbing Helpers will match you with a vetted local pro — usually within minutes. Learn more about plumbing help in Milwaukee.