When a basement floor drain starts backing up or every toilet in the house gurgles at once, the first question after “how bad is it?” is usually “is this mine to fix?” Many homeowners assume the sewer line belongs to the water district once it leaves the house. In most cases, that is not how it works. Here is what Highlands Ranch homeowners are responsible for, what the district handles, who to call first, and what to expect if you need sewer line repair in Highlands Ranch.
The Short Answer: Problems on Your Property Are Usually Yours
Highlands Ranch Water, the district that provides water and wastewater service to the community, is direct about this. Its emergencies page states that, in general, plumbing problems that occur on private property are the responsibility of the homeowner.
The same page tells residents that in the event of a sewer emergency, they should first call a plumber to check the sanitary service line for a blockage. The sanitary service line, sometimes called the sewer lateral, is the pipe that carries everything from your home’s drains out to the public sewer main.
The water side works the same way. The district states that the property owner is responsible for the water service lines and meter pits, and that it is not responsible for issues caused by leaks in a service line or internal plumbing.
What the District Handles
The district runs the public wastewater system that carries sewage away from homes and businesses to the Marcy Gulch Wastewater Treatment Plant, which began operating in 1984.
If your plumber checks your service line and finds it clear, the problem may be beyond your property. In that case, contact the district. Highlands Ranch Water’s emergency line, 303-791-2185, is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and the main office is at (303) 791-0430.
Where Your Line Ends and Theirs Begins
This is the question that matters most when a repair is on the table, and it is worth getting a clear answer before you spend money. The exact point where private responsibility ends can depend on how your service line connects to the main and on the district’s rules for your property.
Before any major repair or replacement:
- Call Highlands Ranch Water and ask where your responsibility ends for your address.
- Ask whether a permit or inspection is needed for the work you are planning.
- Ask your plumber to show you on the camera footage exactly where the problem is.
Getting that answer up front avoids paying for work the district would have handled, or waiting on the district for a problem that is actually yours.
What Can Go Wrong With an Older Sewer Line
The modern community of Highlands Ranch was founded in 1981, which means many sewer service lines here have been in the ground for decades, even when the house itself has been updated. When a line in that age range gives trouble, a camera inspection may find:
- Roots that have worked into joints or cracks
- Sags or separated joints, where sections of pipe have shifted
- Buildup from grease, wipes and other items that should not go down a drain
- Cracks or breaks in the pipe itself
Early signs include slow drains throughout the house, gurgling toilets, water backing up into a floor drain or tub when another fixture runs, and sewer odors in the basement or yard.
How Sewer Line Repair in Highlands Ranch Usually Works
Start with a sewer camera inspection
Guessing is expensive with sewer lines. A sewer camera inspection shows the inside of the line, so you can see whether you are dealing with roots, a sag, a separated joint, or a simple clog. It also shows where the problem is, which helps answer the question of whose responsibility it is.
Clearing versus repairing
Some problems can be cleared, such as a grease clog or light root growth. Others need repair: a broken or separated section of pipe will keep causing backups no matter how often it is cleared. If you have had the line cleared more than once in a short time, that pattern alone is a good reason to look at it on camera before paying for another cleaning.
Repair options
Depending on the condition and location of the problem, repair may mean replacing a section of pipe through an excavation, or trenchless sewer repair that limits digging under driveways, landscaping and mature trees. Our post on trenchless sewer methods explains how those options work.
We inspect first and give you a clear, upfront price before any work begins.
Check your insurance
Coverage for sewer line repairs and sewer backup damage varies widely from policy to policy. Call your insurance agent and ask specifically about service line repair and sewer backup coverage, ideally before you need it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who do I call first if my sewer backs up in Highlands Ranch?
Call a plumber first. Highlands Ranch Water advises residents to have a plumber check the sanitary service line for a blockage. If the line is clear, contact the district’s 24-hour emergency line at 303-791-2185.
Is the sewer line from my house to the street my responsibility?
In general, plumbing problems on private property are the homeowner’s responsibility. Ask Highlands Ranch Water where your responsibility ends for your specific address before starting a major repair.
Will Highlands Ranch Water pay for damage from a sewer backup?
Do not assume so. The district states that plumbing problems on private property are generally the homeowner’s responsibility. Check your homeowner’s insurance for sewer backup coverage.
How do I know if my sewer line needs repair or just cleaning?
A camera inspection is the best way to find out. It shows whether the line has a clog that can be cleared or physical damage that needs repair.
What should I do while I wait for a plumber during a sewer backup?
Stop using water in the house, including toilets, sinks, the dishwasher and the washing machine, since everything you drain adds to the backup. Keep people and pets away from sewage, and do not try to clear a main line blockage with chemicals.
Can tree roots in my sewer line be fixed without digging up the yard?
Sometimes. Roots can be cleared, and depending on the condition of the pipe, trenchless repair may be an option. A camera inspection tells you which approach makes sense.
Get Your Sewer Line Checked
If your drains are backing up or you suspect a sewer line problem, call A Clear Choice Plumbing & Heating at (720) 938-1554. We are a licensed and insured local team based in Englewood, providing sewer line inspection and repair across Highlands Ranch and the south Denver metro. For a backup in progress, see our emergency plumbing service or request a quote online.
