Sewer Line Repair in Arvada, CO

Is the sewer line from my Arvada house really my responsibility?

Yes, for most addresses. The City of Arvada maintains more than 450 miles of sewer pipe and sends wastewater to Metro Water Recovery for treatment, but its rules make property owners responsible for the sewer service line from the house to the city main. The City says it doesn't cut, clean or televise residential sewer laterals, so root cutting, camera inspections and repairs on that pipe are all private work. A few areas inside city limits get sewer from other districts, such as Clear Creek Sanitation District or Ralston Valley Water and Sanitation District; the City's district maps show which applies. For a problem in a public main, the City's emergency and customer service line is 720-898-7070.

Will an older Arvada home have trouble with its sewer pipe?

It's more likely. Arvada grew rapidly after World War II from its agricultural past, and census estimates put the median home at 1979, with about 53% built before 1980. Laterals from those decades are often clay or cast iron. Clay joints let roots in, and cast iron can rust from the inside. Arvada's code also adds two everyday rules that protect the line: sump pump discharge into the sanitary sewer is prohibited, and flushing wipes or paper towels violates city code. Both overload or snag the pipe, and wipes are a common cause of blockages in older laterals with rough joints.

What permits does an Arvada sewer repair need?

Installing, repairing or disconnecting a water or sewer service needs a City of Arvada permit. There's an extra wrinkle: work in the public right-of-way, such as near the tap at the main in the street, requires a City of Arvada General Municipal Contractor's license, while plumbing license holders may pull permits only for work on private property. So if the camera shows the problem extends under the street, the job may need a contractor who holds that city license. The Building Services office is at 8101 Ralston Road (720-898-7620).

A note on calling

You'll be connected with an independent local plumber who serves Arvada. Mention the age of the house and whether you've had roots cut before. Expect the plumber to clear the line, run a camera, and tell you whether the defect is on your lot or under the street, since that decides who can do the repair and which permit applies.