Wastewater Resources

A side sewer (or lateral sewer) carries waste from your home’s drains and toilets to the City’s main sewer line. Most sewer problems occur in the side sewer, which is the homeowner’s responsibility to maintain and repair. To understand how your side sewer connects to the main line, see the side sewer diagram in our brochure.

To locate your side sewer, you can check your house plans, ask the previous owner, or search the City’s permit records.

For homes built after 1950, the City may have more detailed records, especially for permitted work.

You can also use the DART map or call 811 or (800) 424-5555 for assistance.

Call Sewer Transmission immediately at (253) 591-5585 if sewage is backing up inside your home when you’re not using water. The City Transmission crews will inspect the sewer system in your area, perform any necessary maintenance, and notify you of the results. They are responsible for maintaining the main sewer lines and the connection to your side sewers (typically located in the street or City right-of-way). However, homeowners are responsible for maintaining and replacing their side sewers.

For more information on side sewers, see the “Side Sewers” section on this page.

Call Sewer Transmission immediately if sewage is backing up inside your home when you're NOT using water.

If you have slow drainage or suspect a blockage, contact a private service. The issue is likely in your side sewer line. However, if the service provider is unable to resolve the problem and you’re still having problems with your sewer system, call Sewer Transmission before spending any more money.

Sewer Transmission

Different companies offer various services such as unblocking, repairing, and replacing lines or pipe, so be sure to ask which services they provide. Get recommendations from friends and family or check with the Better Business Bureau. Repairs in the City right-of-way, even if they’re on part of your private side sewer system, must be done by a contractor licensed and bonded to work in Tacoma. Because prices can vary, it’s a good idea to get three written bids before choosing a company.

• Rooter services unclog lines using water pressure or mechanical “snakes.” Make sure the snake cable is long enough to reach from your side sewer to the City’s main line. Some also repair and/or replace side sewers.
• Side sewer contractors handle structural repairs like breaks or holes in side sewers. Some also offer unclogging services.
• Plumbers fix leaky or broken fixtures and install new systems. If only certain fixtures are not draining or leaking, a plumber may be able to solve the problem.

We recommend asking the following questions. To protect yourself, get the answers in writing and have the service provider sign and date them in case of any future problems.

1. Where is the blockage?
   If you have your line rootered, ask the service provider to document the exact footage where the blockage was found—or at least their best estimate of its location. Also, ask them to physically mark the location on the ground. This information helps determine if the issue falls within the City’s responsibility. The marking will also be useful if the pipe needs to be dug up for repairs.
2. What is causing the problem?
   Have the service provider write down the probable cause of the blockage. Identifying the type of blockage helps determine if regular maintenance is needed.
3. Should a TV camera be used to inspect the line?
   TV cameras aren’t typically effective in determining what is blocking a line because the murky water makes it difficult to see the blockage. However, they can be useful for inspecting the pipes after the blockage is cleared to help determine the condition of your pipes and where future problems might turn up.

Unclogging a Line: Tools and products are available at home improvement stores, and portable rooter machines can be rented. You’ll need to measure the distance from your side sewer to the main line to determine what size machine to rent.

Repairing or Replacing a Side Sewer Line: You can work on your own side sewer, but you’ll need a permit from Planning and Development Services. You can call (253) 591-5030 or visit Tacoma Permits to apply. In-person service is available by appointment only, please call to schedule.

Sewer repairs can be expensive. The City offers low-interest Sewer Conservation Loans to qualified homeowners and business owners for side sewer repairs and replacement.

For more information or to apply, call

For septic tank maintenance tips or information on connecting to the City sewer system, see the “Septic Sewers” section below.

A side sewer, also called a lateral sewer or private connection, transports wastewater from a property’s toilets and drains to the City’s main sewer line, which then directs it to a wastewater treatment plant.

Property owners are responsible for the maintenance of the side sewer from their building to the City’s main sewer line. The City is responsible for maintaining the sewer main, including tees, wyes, and risers connected to it. To understand how your side sewer connects to the main line, see the side sewer diagram in our brochure.

The City of Tacoma has permit records for some properties. To search for permit records, view this DART map or call Permitting. For step-by-step instructions on how to find permit records, view the Side Sewer Inspection Cards document.

Permitting Department

As of December 1, 2010, per Tacoma Municipal Code Chapter 12.08B.530, real estate professionals are required to provide a side sewer educational flyer to buyers and sellers before the closing of any property.

As of December 1, 2010, per Tacoma Municipal Code Chapter 12.08.720, the City will provide a side sewer educational flyer to permit applicants, recommending that property owners locate and assess the condition of their side sewer before building any additions or making significant improvements over the existing side sewer.

If you own property within the Tacoma city limits and your parcel directly abuts a public sewer located in a public right-of-way or easement, sewer service is available to you. You can connect to the sewer system once any required fees are paid and permits are obtained. Click here to look up an address or parcel number.

For parcels that do not directly abut a public sewer, the Environmental Services department will review your property to determine whether a connection to the public sewer is possible or if a sewer main extension or alternative solution is needed. 

If your property is within 200 feet of a public sewer line, sewer service is considered available to you. Even if you are not yet connected, you are likely already paying a monthly sewer charge.

For properties more than 200 feet from the public sewer line, contact us—especially if your septic system is showing signs of failure. We may be able to assist with extending the sewer line to your property.

You also have two years to take advantage of a 50% discount on the hook-up fee through the City’s Septic Amnesty Program if sewer service has recently been extended to your area. This offer could save you thousands of dollars. In the meantime, follow best practices to maintain your septic system. Learn more about the Septic Amnesty Program below.

You may also qualify for a Sewer Conservation Loan to help with the costs of building a side sewer system.

Visit Chapter 2 of the Side Sewer and Sanitary Sewer Availability Manual to learn more or contact us.

For more information on sewer availability

Is your Tacoma property still using a septic system? Would you like to connect to the City’s sewer system? Has City sewer service become available to you within the last two years?

If you answered yes to these questions, the City’s Septic Amnesty Program may help you save on connection fees. This program allows homeowners to reduce hook-up fees by 50% (up to $10,000) when connecting to the City’s sewer system. As a homeowner, you can take advantage of this program through a private sewer line extension or by forming a Local Improvement District (LID) with your neighbors.

This discount is available for two years after sewer service becomes available to your home.

Most properties in Tacoma are already connected to the sewer system and have paid the necessary assessments, but some homes still use private septic tanks. Homeowners with septic tanks must pay a fee to hook up to the sewer system. If your septic system fails and sewer service is available, you are required to connect. Now is the time to act while the City is offering financial assistance.

Financing Available

You may qualify for a low-interest loan to cover your side sewer connection costs and your portion of the assessment fee.

Septic Amnesty Program

No, food waste does not break down easily in a septic tank. Instead, participate in the City’s food waste recycling program or compost your food waste. This will reduce your garbage and help protect your septic system.

We recommend avoiding additives, as they are unnecessary and may harm your system. Claims that you’ll never need to pump again are misleading, and certain chemicals can seep into the ground, polluting the water.

Either is fine, but if you use powdered detergent, choose a concentrated formula. Some bulk, economy-size powders contain clay fillers, which can clog your septic tank inlet.

For slow drains, use a gentle cleaner. Mix 1/4 cup of baking soda with 1/4 cup of vinegar and pour it down the drain, followed by a kettle of boiling water. Avoid using large amounts of harsh drain cleaners, as they can kill the bacteria needed to break down waste in your septic system.

Excessive amounts of water in your septic system increase the wastewater load on the absorption field and reduce the soil’s capacity to absorb. Conserving water reduces the load on your septic system therefore extending its life. To conserve water:

• Install low-flush toilets and water-saving faucets and shower heads
• Repair leaky fixtures quickly
• Only run full loads of laundry and dishes
• Divert water from downspouts and other sources away from the drainfield. The drainfield can lose its ability to remove pollutants from wastewater when it gets saturated.

Click here for more ways to conserve water.

Yes, installing risers makes tank inspection and pumping more convenient. It also saves time and money by eliminating the need to dig up your yard to locate the tank opening.

Installing an effluent filter can help protect your drainfield by preventing sludge and scum from entering it. A professional plumber can install a high-quality filter for you.

Yes. Regular pumping prevents sludge buildup, which can clog your drainfield and lead to costly repairs or system malfunctions.