Where does SAWS stop and the private line begin?
At the property line or easement line. The San Antonio Water System's utility service regulations say SAWS maintains, repairs and replaces wastewater laterals from the main to that line. The piping on private property from there to the structure belongs to the owner.
That is a helpful rule for homeowners because it makes the property line cleanout the natural dividing point: SAWS's lateral specification calls for a two-way cleanout there. Everything past it, including most clogs, is yours to clear. For that part, sewer line jetting from the cleanout is one option to discuss with a pro. Call now to get information about the service and book a visit.
How can you find out what is under your San Antonio yard?
A camera inspection is the dependable way. SAWS's guide for developers states that SAWS does not own or keep records of infrastructure on private property, so there is no city map of your private line.
That matters for older homes whose pipe layout was never documented, and for owners buying a house. A camera inspection records the line from the cleanout, shows roots, cracks and sags, and leaves you with video proof of its condition. Ask the pro to include one when you book.
Who maintains which part of the line in San Antonio?
SAWS regulations split the line at the property line or easement line. The cleanout there is the access point for jetting and cameras.
| Piece of the system | Responsible party | Practical meaning for a backup |
|---|---|---|
| Wastewater main to the property line or easement line | SAWS | SAWS maintains, repairs and replaces this lateral section |
| Property line cleanout | Marks the change of responsibility | A two-way cleanout there gives a pro direct access |
| Piping from the property line to the structure | Property owner | Clogs and repairs on this section are the owner's to arrange |
What clogs sewer lines in San Antonio?
Grease, wipes and roots can all be behind a clog. The U.S. EPA names grease and tree roots as the primary causes of sewer blockages, and San Antonio's mature live oaks and pecans put plenty of roots near older lines.
Historic neighborhoods such as King William, Monte Vista and Southtown have older lateral pipe where roots enter at joints, while newer northside subdivisions see grease and wipes more often. The River Walk and Pearl dining districts add heavy commercial grease loads. Tree root removal and commercial grease line jetting cover those two cases.
Which hydro jetting services are available in San Antonio?
All seven services are available across the city for homes, apartments and businesses.
- Sewer line jetting from the property line cleanout
- Sewer camera inspection for older homes and home purchases
- Tree root removal for lines near mature trees
- Drain jetting for kitchen and laundry lines
- Commercial grease line jetting for restaurants and hotels
- Sewer backup help for urgent clogs
- Storm drain jetting for lots and apartment complexes
Neighborhoods and nearby cities
Calls come from across San Antonio, including King William, Southtown, Monte Vista, Stone Oak, the Medical Center, Dignowity Hill, Government Hill, Westover Hills and Oak Park.
Nearby local pages cover hydro jetting in Austin and Corpus Christi. Help is also available in New Braunfels, Schertz, Seguin, Cibolo, Converse, Kerrville, Boerne, Universal City, Live Oak, Fair Oaks Ranch, Selma, Fredericksburg, Leon Valley, Pleasanton and Helotes. See the Texas page for every city we cover.