What does BWSC say the owner is responsible for?
The whole lateral and the cost of blockages in it. BWSC says the condition of the sewer lateral is the owner's responsibility and the owner is also responsible for expenses to determine or relieve the cause of a blockage in the entire lateral, from the foundation to the connection with its line.
That is a clear rule, and it means camera work and cleaning are owner costs. Sewer line jetting is one method a pro can walk you through, and a camera inspection can show the visible condition of the pipe. Phone to get information and book a visit.
Why does Boston's housing stock matter for laterals?
Because so much of it is old. Back Bay and South End brownstones, Dorchester triple-deckers and Charlestown rowhouses date from the 1800s and early 1900s, with brick, clay or cast iron laterals.
Old pipe has many joints, and street trees reach them. A camera shows visible roots and cracks, and tree root removal clears roots. Basement and garden-level drains are where trouble shows up first.
Who maintains which part of the line in Boston?
BWSC's pages split the system as shown here.
| Piece of the system | Responsible party | Practical meaning for a backup |
|---|---|---|
| BWSC sewer main | Boston Water and Sewer Commission | Defects in its system can support a claim |
| Entire sewer lateral, foundation to connection | Property owner | Condition and blockage costs are the owner's |
| Repair help | BWSC assistance program | Designed to help owners with repair or replacement |
What does the Sewer Lateral Financial Assistance Program do?
It helps owners pay for repair or replacement of a lateral. BWSC runs it for residential customers, with its own eligibility and application steps.
A recorded camera inspection is a natural first document in any application. Check current terms on BWSC's page before planning a repair around it.
Which Boston properties book jetting?
North End, Seaport and Fenway restaurants, plus triple-deckers and brownstone condos across the neighborhoods.
Commercial grease line jetting clears kitchen lines, and drain jetting handles stack branches in condos.
Hydro jetting services in Boston
All seven services are available across Boston, for brownstones, triple-deckers, condos and restaurants.
- Sewer line jetting on the whole lateral from foundation to BWSC's line
- Sewer camera inspection for brick, clay and cast iron laterals
- Tree root removal for street-tree roots at old joints
- Drain jetting for stack branches in condos and brownstones
- Commercial grease line jetting for North End, Seaport and Fenway kitchens
- Sewer backup help for flooded basement and garden-level drains
- Storm drain jetting for courtyard, garage and lot drains
Neighborhoods and nearby cities
Calls come from across Boston, including the South End, Back Bay, Beacon Hill, Dorchester, Jamaica Plain, Charlestown, the North End and Fenway.
See the Massachusetts page for the state overview. Help is also available in Cambridge, Somerville, Quincy, Brookline, Newton, Medford and Revere.