Sewer Line Repair in Longmont, CO

Where does Longmont's responsibility end and mine begin?

At the main. The City of Longmont's Water Utilities maintains the sewer mains and investigates problems in the main line, while the property owner owns and maintains the sewer service line from the house to the city main. If you suspect the main, for example when neighbors are backing up too, call the City; after hours, Longmont directs residents to Longmont Police and Public Safety Dispatch. If only your house is affected, a plumber can clear and inspect your line and tell you whether the defect is on your side.

Is my Longmont home old enough to worry about the sewer pipe?

It depends on the neighborhood. Longmont was founded in 1871 by the Chicago-Colorado Colony and has grown to roughly 100,000 people. Census estimates put the median home at 1991, with about 37% built before 1980. Homes near the historic downtown and older blocks are more likely to have clay or cast iron laterals, where roots and corrosion are the usual culprits. Newer areas, such as Prospect New Town, typically have plastic pipe, which can still sag where soil settled or crack where later digging got too close. A camera inspection shows exactly what you have.

Does a sewer repair in Longmont need a permit?

Longmont requires a permit for any changes to plumbing systems, issued by Building Services at the Development Services Center, 385 Kimbark Street (303-651-8332). A simple drain cleaning doesn't change the system, but digging up and replacing a section of sewer pipe does, so plan on a permit and inspection for that kind of repair. The plumber handling the job usually applies.

A local note

You'll be connected with an independent local plumber who serves Longmont. Mention the age of the house and whether you've had roots cut before. The plumber will typically clear the line, scope it toward the main, and walk you through repair choices once the defect is located. Until the visit, cut back on laundry, dishes and showers, since every gallon heads into the same pipe, and skip chemical drain openers, which won't clear roots or a broken section and make the line harder to work on.