On April 6, 1999, citizens of unincorporated St. Louis County voted YES for Proposition 1 on the St. Louis County Election ballot.
Proposition 1 - the Residential Sewer Lateral Repair Program - covers the cost of repairing a defective residential sewer lateral in unincorporated St. Louis County. Under this new program, homeowners pay a $28.00 fee annually. This fee was included on the 1999 real estate property tax bills issued to homeowners in unincorporated St. Louis County. The $28.00 fee establishes a fund that will cover the cost of repairing a defective sewer lateral.
The portion of the residential sewer lateral that is covered under this program, is the portion that runs from the foundation of a house to the sewer main. The homeowner is responsible for the cost of repair or replacement of their sewer lateral inside their home. The program also covers the cost of replacement of any structural facility required for safe occupancy of a residence or for safe use of the property. The program is responsible for covering the repaired sewer lateral site with dirt and will seed the area.
The program does not cover, septic tank replacement, private treatment systems or the cost to replace any trees, shrubs, flowers, sod, decks, concrete work, retaining walls or out buildings that may be damaged during the repair of the sewer lateral.
How does the program work?
Step 1
When a blockage or sinkhole is noticed by the homeowner, he/she will hire a sewer cleaner or a licensed plumber or drainlayer to run a cable through the sewer lateral to clear the blockage. This is the responsibility of the homeowner to hire a St. Louis County licensed plumber or drainlayer and to pay for his/her services.If the sewer cleaner, plumber or drainlayer finds that the sewer lateral has a breakage and that cabling will not correct the problem, then the homeowner proceeds with step 2.
Step 2
The homeowner applies to St. Louis County for repair/replacement of their sewer lateral. Applications are obtained by calling 615-8427 or you may pick up an application from the Department of Public Works - located in Clayton or at the north, south and west County satellite offices.The application must be completed by a St. Louis County Licensed Plumber or Drainlayer and must include sufficient information to "Bid the Repair", i.e. cable attempt, location of the stoppage, location of sewer lines, etc.
The application must include a copy of a receipt from the licensed plumber/drainlayer who cabled the sewer lateral.
Step 3
St. Louis County reviews the request and
- Determines if the homeowner is eligible for the program
- Determines if any special requirements are needed such as:
- A survey camera of the sewer lateral to limit repair costs
- Street repairs caused by repairing the sewer lateral
- Other damage that may occur - porch, etc.
Step 4
St. Louis County requests three bids from a pool selected from licensed drainlayers who are interested in participating in the program.
- Bids are due in 24 - 48 hours - which must include standard plans, specifications and an application for the appropriate permits.
- The job is awarded to the lowest, responsible bidder.
Step 5
The Contractor has two weeks to complete the repairs.
- Inspections are called in by the contractor and scheduled by St. Louis County.
- Inspections are completed by St. Louis County Code Enforcement Inspectors.
Step 6
The Contractor invoices St. Louis County for the repair work performed.
- The invoice is validated based on approved Code Enforcement Inspections.
- The payment for the repair is made directly to the contractor.
What if I need an emergency repair?
In those cases were an emergency repair of a residential sewer lateral is required, the emergency repair services procedure will be followed. Emergency repairs are needed when the leakage of raw sewage threatens public health.
What are the steps for an emergency repair?
Step 1
When the homeowner notices leakage of raw sewage outside his/her home, he/she will call a St. Louis County Licensed Drainlayer to repair the sewer lateral.
Step 2
The licensed drainlayer will apply for the proper St. Louis County permit on the first business day after he/she determines it is an emergency repair. Also, the homeowner must complete the program application.
Step 3
A St. Louis County Plumbing Inspector is sent to the job site to inspect the repair. After it is determined the repair was an emergency, the cost of the repair will be covered under the program.
If you have any questions regarding the Sewer Lateral Repair program, please contact the Department of Public Works at 615-8427.
|
Main Office |
North Satellite Office |
| 41 South Central Avenue |
#21 Village Square |
|
615-8427 |
615-7304 |
| South Satellite Office | West Satellite Office |
| 4554 Lemay Ferry Road | 74 Clarkson Centre |
| 615-4076 | 615-0902 |