Sewer Lateral Replacement Program Questions
What is the property owner required to pay?
The costs associated with the pipe installation and basic leveling
of the trench area soil, sprinkled with grass seed is paid for through
the Sewer Lateral Replacement Program fund. Any property restoration above
the amount of $750.00 will be the responsibility of the property owner.
Common restoration items include fences, walkways and patios.
Will the City of Albany reimburse my plumbing bills related
to my damaged sewer lateral?
No. The City will only pay for expenses which have been pre-authorized
by the project manager after the application has been received.
How long does this process usually take?
The process from application to the final TV inspection ranges
up to 3 weeks. Factors that affect the schedule of City and contractor
include emergency sewer lateral replacements and easement access acquisition
issues.
My sewer lateral crosses my neighbors property. Can it be replaced?
Yes. The Uniform Plumbing Code requires that a private utility
easement be established prior to the installation of the new sewer lateral
What is a utility easement?
There are two types of utility easements associated with the
Sewer Lateral Replacement Program.
1) Private Utility Easement
This is an agreement between two property owners covering the replacement and
repair rights of the grantees sewer lateral. Generally, the grantor
promises to not build any permanent structures over the area described in
the easement document and to allow access to the easement for maintenance
purposes. The grantee generally promises to return the grantor's property
to an equal or better condition after any maintenance work is performed.
2) Public Utility Easement
This is an agreement between the property owner(s) and the City of Albany.
The agreement covers the repair and replacement rights of a public utility
that is owned and maintained by the City of Albany and is located on or near
the grantorâs private property.
The grantor promises to not build any permanent structures over the area described in the easement document and to allow access to the easement for maintenance purposes. The grantee promises to return the grantors property to an equal or better condition after any maintenance work is performed.
Who do I contact if problems arise in the future?
The project manager should be the first person you call. The
lateral replacement comes with a standard one year warranty, which covers
the pipe and any ground settlement that may occur over the new pipe.
After the one year warranty, the pipe and ground is the responsibility
of the property owner.
The maintenance of the new sewer lateral is the responsibility of the property owner. This maintenance includes ensuring free flow of waste through the lateral to the Public sewer main and any physical repairs required on private property. In the event that the sewer lateral fails structurally in the public right-of-way, the City of Albany will repair the sewer lateral.