According to an independent Pittsburgh newspaper, residents in the older parts of the city are facing big plumbing bills that they had no idea they were responsible for. These homeowners contend that the cost should be shared with the city, and they’re making some noise about it. The issue relates to the city’s aging infrastructure, and the price tag attached is hefty. If you are facing a concern that relates to your home’s sewer, look no further than the experienced Pennsylvania sewer professionals at American Sewer Specialist.
The Letter from the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority
Pittsburgh’s Public Source reports that several residents in Pittsburgh’s charming Regent Square received a letter from the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority (PWSA) that came as quite a surprise. The letters all began with Dear Customer, and they picked up the pace from there. PWSA went on to say that their private sewer laterals were in need of repair due to the associated risk to public health.
The Homeowners’ Private Sewer Laterals and the Pansy Way Line
These letter recipients had received a very similar letter the year prior, which also required significant payments in relation to similar repairs. The residents’ private sewer laterals, which every homeowner is responsible for, connect to a line under Pansy Way that the homeowners in question had assumed was public. PWSA, however, had a different interpretation and notified the homeowners of their related responsibilities.
Documentation
Neither the homeowners nor PWSA has documentation that addresses the Pansy Way line. It’s not listed on the homeowners’ deeds, and it’s not included on PWSA’s maps. The matter of whether the City of Pittsburgh or property owners themselves are responsible for unmapped lines that run under public throughways will ultimately be resolved by the courts.
In the City of Pittsburgh
As the City of Pittsburgh’s infrastructure continues to age, more homeowners could find themselves responsible for repairs that come as quite a shock. In Pittsburgh, homeowners are responsible for their laterals all the way forward to the point of connection with the public line, which can be located beneath a public road, which translates to immense expense.
Helpful Hints
There are proactive steps you can take to help keep your sewer laterals in good shape, including:
- Schedule regular maintenance with seasoned sewer specialists
- Use your toilet for its intended use only, and not as a trash can
- Never pour oils or fats down your drains
- When landscaping, keep tree roots in mind and don’t plant anything with extensive root systems over or near your lateral
Pennsylvania Sewer Specialists Can Help You Avoid Sewer Surprises
The knowledgeable Pennsylvania sewer pros at American Sewer Specialist are committed to keeping your sewer laterals in excellent working condition. This can make a big difference when it comes to avoiding sewer concerns that seem to come out of nowhere and have huge price tags attached. Learn more about our sewer services and what we can do to help you by contacting us online or calling us at 724-879-8130 today.
