By Double J Liner Repair · Cost & Planning · Published 2026-10-23
Your home's sewer system has two main parts: the private line that carries wastewater from your house, often called the lateral, and the public sewer main that collects wastewater from the whole street. Knowing which part has failed tells you who is responsible for fixing it.
Here is how it generally works in San Antonio, along with a few things worth checking.
In general, the property owner is responsible for the sewer lateral that serves their home. That includes the pipes under and around the house and the line running toward the connection with the public system. Roots, cracks, and corrosion in that private line are typically the owner's to repair.
The exact point where your responsibility ends can vary by property. If you are unsure, check with SAWS before any work begins.
The sewer main that runs under the street and collects wastewater from multiple properties is maintained by the utility, which for most of San Antonio is SAWS. If the main itself is blocked or broken, the utility handles that repair.
If only your home is affected, the problem is more likely in your private line. If neighbors are also experiencing backups at the same time, the issue may be in the public main, and you should contact the utility right away.
A camera inspection of your lateral can confirm where a blockage or break is located, which helps settle the question quickly.
Because the private lateral is usually the owner's responsibility, the method of repair is your choice too. Trenchless UV pipe lining lets you fix your portion of the line without digging up the yard, and it is backed by Double J's 10-year warranty.
Since lateral repairs generally fall on the owner, buyers are wise to have the sewer line scoped before closing on an older home. It is a small step that can prevent a big surprise.
SAWS maintains the public sewer mains. The private lateral serving a home is generally the property owner's responsibility. Check with SAWS if you are unsure where your responsibility ends.
Simultaneous backups on several properties can indicate a problem in the public main. Contact the utility promptly.
Yes. UV pipe lining can be applied to the private lateral serving your home.
Double J Liner Repair offers sewer camera inspections and free estimates on no-dig sewer repair in San Antonio, backed by a 10-year warranty. Learn more about sewer repair or read more sewer and pipe repair guides.
Double J Liner Repair · 1800 NE Interstate 410 Loop #216, San Antonio, TX 78217 · Phone: (210) 802-2018 · Email: Info@doublejlinerrepair.com
Hours: Monday–Friday 8:00 AM–6:00 PM, Saturday 9:00 AM–2:00 PM, Sunday closed.