TriCo Regional Sewer Utility

As a homeowner, you have many responsibilities to keep your property functioning optimally. One of those responsibilities that you may not be familiar with is taking care of your sewer lateral. At TriCo Regional Sewer, we want to make sure you're informed about what this responsibility entails. This is particularly important to note because our utility locate technicians do not locate sewer laterals when receiving an 811 locate request. Your sewer lateral is considered private and a private locating company would need to be hired to locate your sewer lateral. 

What is a Sewer Lateral?

A sewer lateral is the underground pipe that connects your home’s plumbing to the main public sewer line. It starts from the point where your home’s plumbing exits the building and extends to the point where it connects with the TriCo sewer system. This lateral is entirely your responsibility, both in terms of maintenance and repair.

Your Responsibilities

Here's what you need to know:

Maintenance and Repair

The maintenance and repair of the sewer lateral are the homeowner's responsibility. This means you'll need to hire a private utility locating service before carrying out any excavation work near the lateral. Problems like blockages, leakages, or structural damages need to be addressed by you or a contractor you hire.

Utility Locating

While TriCo Regional Sewer has most lateral information on file, we will not conduct utility locating for your lateral when you submit an 811 locate request. If you need information about your sewer lateral for repair or any other reason, you can contact our Engineering department for guidance.

Lateral Repair and Inspections

If your sewer lateral or its cleanout requires repair, it's important to have the work inspected by a TriCo representative. Contact our office for our sewer specifications related to lateral repairs and to schedule an inspection. Please note that you must schedule an inspection at least 24 hours in advance.

Non-Payment Policies

It's essential to note that TriCo Regional Sewer will never turn off your sewer service for non-payment. However, we will address non-payment issues in accordance with our policies and applicable regulations.

How To Get Information About Your Lateral

If you are planning any construction work, or if you need information about your sewer lateral for any other reason, call our Engineering department. We have a database with most of the lateral information and can help you navigate the details.

Your sewer lateral is an essential part of your home’s infrastructure. Taking proper care of it is crucial for maintaining a healthy living environment and avoiding potential problems that could be costly to repair. Remember that while TriCo Regional Sewer provides sewer services, the responsibility for maintaining and repairing the lateral lies with you, the homeowner.

For more information or to address any queries, feel free to reach out to our Engineering department. We're here to assist you in understanding your responsibilities and navigating your way through the details of your sewer lateral.

Stay informed and take care of your property responsibly. Thank you for being a valued customer of TriCo Regional Sewer.