Sewer lateral, curb trap & main line problems in Philadelphia

Which pipes are yours?

In Philadelphia the property owner, not the City, is responsible for the drain pipes from the house all the way to the public sewer. The Philadelphia Water Department (PWD) lists these as the owner’s wastewater plumbing:

• House main drain, which collects waste inside the house and empties into the lateral
• Curb trap, the J-shaped pipe that connects the house drain to the lateral
• Vent pipe and vent box, also called the fresh air inlet (FAI)
• Lateral, the pipe connecting the house drain to the public sewer, usually under the sidewalk and street
• Slant, also called the tap: the connection between the lateral and the sewer main
• House storm drain (in separate-sewer areas only)

PWD maintains the sewer main itself. PWD also says plainly: “A licensed plumber must do the work. PWD is not responsible for your plumbing.”

The main line: when it’s the City’s problem

The sewer main under the street is PWD’s responsibility. If several homes on the block back up at once, or the problem started after street work, call the PWD Customer Hotline at (215) 685-6300. A plumber’s camera inspection can also show whether a blockage is in your lateral or at the main.

Common problems in Philadelphia homes

For pipe materials, roots and shared lines in more depth, see common sewer problems in older Philadelphia homes.

Curb trap clogs

Many older Philadelphia houses have a curb trap, a J-shaped trap between the house drain and the lateral, with a fresh air inlet (vent) nearby. Traps catch debris and can clog. A broken or missing vent cover can also let debris into the line.

Roots and cracked clay or cast iron

Roots find their way into joints and cracks in older pipe and can block the line. Rodding clears them for a while, but they often come back until the pipe is repaired or lined.

Collapsed or separated laterals

Age, settling and nearby digging can crack or separate a lateral. Signs include repeat backups, sewer odor and a sinking sidewalk.

Private or shared sewer connections

Some properties drain through a private or shared line instead of connecting directly to a public sewer. PWD’s HELP loan specifically covers repairs to a private sewer connection that require reversing the drainage direction to connect to a public sewer.

Notice of Defect

If PWD finds that your lateral or related pipes aren’t working properly, it can serve a Notice of Defect requiring you to make repairs within the time stated on the notice. What to do if you get one.

Related

• PWD Notice of Defect & the zero-interest HELP loan
• Sewer backup help
• Sewer line replacement
• Sewer line repair cost in Philadelphia