What does a typical sewer service look like?
This figure shows a typical residential sewer service in the City of Ithaca.
  1. Sewer Main - The sewer main is located in the street and typically PVC or clay tile
  2. Sewer Lateral - The smallest sewer lateral meeting code is a 4-inch diameter PVC pipe
  3. Curb Clean-Out - The sewer clean-out is typically located in the street right-of-way. It allows city crews to clean the street side of the lateral in the event of a blockage. It is the property owner's responsibility to make sure that the clean-out is always visible and accessible. Some older homes may not have a clean-out
  4. Clean-Out - Typically located near the foundation wall. This clean-out allows access to the sewer lateral from the house to the curb clean-out
  5. Trap - The trap prevents any gases in the sewer from backing up into the building
  6. Vent - The vent lets fresh air into the sewer lateral, preventing a vacuum condition where water might back up
  7. Connection to Building Drain
  8. Property Line
  9. Responsibility of Property Owner - The property owner is responsible for maintaining the Curb Clean-Out (See #4) and all piping from the curb clean-out to the house
  10. Responsibility of the City - Once the sewer service is brought up to code (Minimum 4-inch diameter PVC pipe with a clean-out at the curb), the city is responsible for all maintenance and repairs from the main in the street to the curb clean-out.

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1. My water is rusty or red. What should I do?
2. I have no water. Whom should I contact?
3. There is water flowing from the ground or a damaged fire hydrant. Whom do I contact?
4. There was a backup in my sewer line. Who pays to unclog the line?
5. How do I apply for a new water or sewer service?
6. What does a typical sewer service look like?
7. What does a typical water service look like?