What does Metro's service line policy say?
That the owner owns and maintains the line from the building to the public main. The brochure, based on Metro ordinance, also explains when Metro may step in through a cleanout in the sewer easement.
That is a useful rule because it names the cleanout as the access point. A pro starts there with sewer line jetting or a camera inspection, which records visible damage, roots or buildup. The brochure is dated 2015, so check current terms with Metro. A call gets you information about the service and a booking.
How does the waiver process work in Nashville?
Metro may use a cleanout inside the sewer easement to inspect and clear toward the main, usually after the owner signs a waiver. The owner pays for cutting and reattaching pipe and filling the hole unless Metro makes the repair.
Because of that, many owners have a plumber or drain pro clear their own line first, as the brochure advises. If the plumber finds the stoppage is beyond the easement boundary, that is the point to bring Metro Water Services in.
Who maintains which part of the line in Nashville?
Metro's private sewer service policy splits the line as shown here.
| Piece of the system | Responsible party | Practical meaning for a backup |
|---|---|---|
| Public sewer main | Metro Water Services | Report a suspected main problem to Metro |
| Service line from the building to the main | Property owner | Owners maintain it; call a plumber first in a backup |
| Cleanout inside the sewer easement | Metro may use it with an owner waiver | The owner bears pipe cutting and refill costs unless Metro repairs |
Why does Nashville's rolling ground matter for sewers?
Hills and creek valleys change line depth and grade. East Nashville, Green Hills and Bellevue have steep lots and old trees close to lines.
Tree root removal clears roots from joints, and a camera can show visible roots. Heavy storms also stress the system, so a clear private line removes one possible cause of a backup.
How do Nashville's tourism and growth affect drains?
Heavy kitchen use downtown and a building boom everywhere. Broadway, the Gulch and Germantown pack restaurants and bars close together.
Commercial grease line jetting clears kitchen lines, and newer apartments have shared stacks where drain jetting helps.
Which hydro jetting services are available in Nashville?
All seven services are available across Nashville, for houses, apartments, restaurants and music venues.
- Sewer line jetting from the cleanout toward the public main
- Sewer camera inspection to inspect a line before a Metro cleanout waiver
- Tree root removal for roots near older East Nashville and Belmont lines
- Drain jetting for kitchen, laundry and bath branches
- Commercial grease line jetting for Broadway, Gulch and Germantown restaurants
- Sewer backup help for toilets and floor drains that overflow
- Storm drain jetting for parking lots and private drains during storms
Neighborhoods and nearby cities
Calls come from across Nashville, including East Nashville, Germantown, 12 South, Green Hills, Antioch, Donelson, the Gulch, Bellevue and Belmont.
The nearest other local page covers hydro jetting in Memphis. Help is also available in Franklin, Brentwood, Murfreesboro, Hendersonville, Smyrna, Gallatin and Mt. Juliet. See the Tennessee page for every city we cover.