A water lateral is an underground pipe that connects your home or business to the public water supply. It's part of your home's plumbing system and is usually about one inch in size.

The property owner is responsible for keeping the water lateral maintained, which includes everything from inspection and cleaning to repair and replacement.

A sewer lateral connects a home or business to a public sewer system, while a water lateral connects a home or business to a public water supply.

The cost of the initial installation of a water service lateral lies with the homeowner. Reach out to the experts at De Keyser Construction to navigate this and any related issues between you and your municipality.

You will need to contact your local municipality to have your water shut off.

If your home is experiencing sewer blockages, sewer backups, or sewage spilling into the environment, it could indicate a problem with your private lateral. Sinkholes can also be a sign that you have a fault lateral.

To maintain your private sewer lateral, it’s important to clear roots, grease, debris, or other blockages from the lateral up to its connection with the sewer main. This process may require the help of a plumber or the installation of a cleanout—a vertical pipe that provides maintenance access by connecting the underground lateral to the surface. Additionally, be sure to remove any illegal stormwater connections to the sanitary sewer system. Improper connections, such as roof downspouts, groundwater sump pumps, foundation drains, and drains from window wells or driveways, can overwhelm the sewer system, potentially causing sewage overflows or basement backups.