What does PWD say the homeowner maintains?
The lateral and the parts on the property side of the main. Its diagram lists the main house drain, curb trap, sanitary and stormwater laterals, vent pipe and cover on the homeowner's side.
PWD also says flooding can come from defects in the property's own lateral, which is the owner's responsibility. A clear lateral therefore matters even where a backwater valve is installed. Sewer line jetting clears the pipe, and a camera inspection can show visible conditions. Call now for information, then book your visit.
Why does PWD check laterals before installing backwater valves?
Because the program proceeds only once the lateral is confirmed in good working order. A PWD inspector and a contracted plumber examine it first, and any violations must be addressed.
That makes a camera record and a clean line useful preparation for rowhouse owners applying. The older blocks of South Philly, Kensington and Germantown have clay and cast iron pipe, and roots from street trees add trouble, handled by tree root removal.
Who maintains which part of the line in Philadelphia?
PWD's customer responsibility diagram splits the system as shown here.
| Part of the line | Who maintains it | What it means when a line clogs |
|---|---|---|
| Public water and sewer mains | Philadelphia Water Department | Report suspected main problems to PWD |
| Main house drain, curb trap and lateral | Homeowner | Clogs and defects here are the owner's |
| Backwater valve from the program | Homeowner, after one year | The plumber's warranty runs one year, then the owner maintains it |
What is the curb trap and why does it matter?
A trap on the homeowner's lateral near the curb. It sits in PWD's diagram on the homeowner's side, and it can collect debris.
A trap or cleanout near the curb is where a pro often starts a jetting run, and it is also where a camera can enter. If yours is buried or capped under paving, a locator can find it.
How do restaurants and apartments fit in?
Center City, Old City and Northern Liberties pack many kitchens and apartment stacks together.
Commercial grease line jetting clears kitchen lines, and drain jetting handles branch lines in apartment buildings.
Which hydro jetting services can you book in Philadelphia?
Every service on this site is available in Philadelphia, for a South Philly rowhouse, a Germantown twin or a Center City restaurant.
- Sewer line jetting for the lateral from the curb trap or cleanout
- Sewer camera inspection to prepare a lateral for a backwater valve program
- Tree root removal for roots from street trees
- Drain jetting for kitchen, laundry and bath branches
- Commercial grease line jetting for Center City and Old City restaurants
- Sewer backup help for basement drains and toilets that overflow
- Storm drain jetting for alley, lot and courtyard drains
Neighborhoods and nearby cities
Calls come from across Philadelphia, including South Philly, Fishtown, Germantown, Manayunk, Kensington, Center City, Roxborough and the Northeast.
Nearby, hydro jetting in Pittsburgh has its own page, and New York is the closest in the next state. Help is also available in Camden, Cherry Hill, Upper Darby, Norristown, Chester and Bensalem. See the Pennsylvania page for every city we cover.