Sewer Lateral Repair Program

In April of 1999, Ballwin voters approved the establishment of a $28.00 annual fee to be collected with the Real Estate property tax.  The fees collected are deposited into a sewer lateral repair program fund, designated only for the repair of sewer laterals.  In the first few years of the program, we have repaired an average of 100 sewer laterals each year before the money in the fund is exhausted.

The large number of applications and the demand for sewer lateral repairs has exceeded funding during the first 3 years of the program.  As a result, the Board of Aldermen has instituted a cap of $3000 per job in order to be able to do more repairs each year.  In addition, when funds are depleted for the current year, applicants will be put on the waiting list for the following year.

The program was never designed to be a sewer lateral warranty program. It is designed to help residents with problems that if not repaired, would be unable to live in their home due to sewer failure. As such, damage due to normal wear and usage is not covered if the lateral is still functioning.

How do I find out if I qualify?

Complete a Sewer Lateral Repair Program application form, available online or at the Ballwin Government Center.  There is $150.00 application fee.

Payment or Reimbursement

If money is available from the program fund, the contractor will bill the City directly for the repair.  If the repair exceeds the $3000 cap, the contractor will bill the homeowner for the excess.

If program funds have been exhausted for the year, the homeowner must pay the contractor directly for the repair and homeowner will be reimbursed up to $3000 when funds become available.  When you make an application for a sewer lateral repair, you will be informed as to the availability of funds.

Payments cover:

• Excavation and repair of the failed section of sewer lateral.
• Backfill and restoration of the backfill consisting of grading into a mound to allow for settlement and seeding and straw.
• Removal and hauling away construction and pavement materials that were removed to make way for the repair.
• Patching of private driveways, sidewalks, public sidewalks, curbs and street pavement.

*** Please Note: Most municipalities, cities, and counties with sewer lateral programs limit reimbursements and expenses to the amount available in the Fund at any time. Some offer waiting lists and reimbursements out of the next year’s Fund revenue. Funds typically are on a first-come, first-served basis. You should always check on fund availability. Additionally, most municipalities will require proof of PAID real estate tax bills, city fees, taxes, including personal property taxes, and trash fees if applicable for eligibility to participate in any available programs.

Sewer Lateral Repair Program

In April of 1999, Ballwin voters approved the establishment of a $28.00 annual fee to be collected with the Real Estate property tax.  The fees collected are deposited into a sewer lateral repair program fund, designated only for the repair of sewer laterals.  In the first few years of the program, we have repaired an average of 100 sewer laterals each year before the money in the fund is exhausted.

The large number of applications and the demand for sewer lateral repairs has exceeded funding during the first 3 years of the program.  As a result, the Board of Aldermen has instituted a cap of $3000 per job in order to be able to do more repairs each year.  In addition, when funds are depleted for the current year, applicants will be put on the waiting list for the following year.

The program was never designed to be a sewer lateral warranty program. It is designed to help residents with problems that if not repaired, would be unable to live in their home due to sewer failure. As such, damage due to normal wear and usage is not covered if the lateral is still functioning.

How do I find out if I qualify?

Complete a Sewer Lateral Repair Program application form, available online or at the Ballwin Government Center.  There is $150.00 application fee.

Payment or Reimbursement

If money is available from the program fund, the contractor will bill the City directly for the repair.  If the repair exceeds the $3000 cap, the contractor will bill the homeowner for the excess.

If program funds have been exhausted for the year, the homeowner must pay the contractor directly for the repair and homeowner will be reimbursed up to $3000 when funds become available.  When you make an application for a sewer lateral repair, you will be informed as to the availability of funds.

Payments cover:

• Excavation and repair of the failed section of sewer lateral.
• Backfill and restoration of the backfill consisting of grading into a mound to allow for settlement and seeding and straw.
• Removal and hauling away construction and pavement materials that were removed to make way for the repair.
• Patching of private driveways, sidewalks, public sidewalks, curbs and street pavement.

*** Please Note: Most municipalities, cities, and counties with sewer lateral programs limit reimbursements and expenses to the amount available in the Fund at any time. Some offer waiting lists and reimbursements out of the next year’s Fund revenue. Funds typically are on a first-come, first-served basis. You should always check on fund availability. Additionally, most municipalities will require proof of PAID real estate tax bills, city fees, taxes, including personal property taxes, and trash fees if applicable for eligibility to participate in any available programs.

*** Please Note: Most municipalities, cities, and counties with sewer lateral programs limit reimbursements and expenses to the amount available in the Fund at any time. Some offer waiting lists and reimbursements out of the next year’s Fund revenue. Funds typically are on a first-come, first-served basis. You should always check on fund availability. Additionally, most municipalities will require proof of PAID real estate tax bills, city fees, taxes, including personal property taxes, and trash fees if applicable for eligibility to participate in any available programs.

*** Please Note: Most municipalities, cities, and counties with sewer lateral programs limit reimbursements and expenses to the amount available in the Fund at any time. Some offer waiting lists and reimbursements out of the next year’s Fund revenue. Funds typically are on a first-come, first-served basis. You should always check on fund availability. Additionally, most municipalities will require proof of PAID real estate tax bills, city fees, taxes, including personal property taxes, and trash fees if applicable for eligibility to participate in any available programs.

The City will contract for the repair of a defective lateral if after investigation, it is found to be defective due to causes beyond the control of the property owner. A sewer lateral is defined as the portion of the pipe which carries household wastes to the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District sewer main and which lies between the house connection and the sewer main. Before submitting the Sanitary Sewer Lateral Application, it is the responsibility of the Homeowner to have the lateral in-line video inspected and marked by flags or paint marks. The video must have audio narration describing the problem and location of the problem on the lateral, name and address of the house and the date the video was made. The Homeowner must also furnish a report and/or receipt from the plumbing or sewer service that cabled or jetted the lateral in an attempt to clear the lateral. The cost of the in-line video and locating of the lateral is to be paid by the Homeowner.

A fee to cover these services for the City will be assessed at the rate of $28.00 per year. The fee is included on the resident’s annual St. Louis County Real Estate Tax Bill.

*** Please Note: Most municipalities, cities, and counties with sewer lateral programs limit reimbursements and expenses to the amount available in the Fund at any time. Some offer waiting lists and reimbursements out of the next year’s Fund revenue. Funds typically are on a first-come, first-served basis. You should always check on fund availability. Additionally, most municipalities will require proof of PAID real estate tax bills, city fees, taxes, including personal property taxes, and trash fees if applicable for eligibility to participate in any available programs.

The City will contract for the repair of a defective lateral if after investigation, it is found to be defective due to causes beyond the control of the property owner. A sewer lateral is defined as the portion of the pipe which carries household wastes to the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District sewer main and which lies between the house connection and the sewer main. Before submitting the Sanitary Sewer Lateral Application, it is the responsibility of the Homeowner to have the lateral in-line video inspected and marked by flags or paint marks. The video must have audio narration describing the problem and location of the problem on the lateral, name and address of the house and the date the video was made. The Homeowner must also furnish a report and/or receipt from the plumbing or sewer service that cabled or jetted the lateral in an attempt to clear the lateral. The cost of the in-line video and locating of the lateral is to be paid by the Homeowner.

A fee to cover these services for the City will be assessed at the rate of $28.00 per year. The fee is included on the resident’s annual St. Louis County Real Estate Tax Bill.

*** Please Note: Most municipalities, cities, and counties with sewer lateral programs limit reimbursements and expenses to the amount available in the Fund at any time. Some offer waiting lists and reimbursements out of the next year’s Fund revenue. Funds typically are on a first-come, first-served basis. You should always check on fund availability. Additionally, most municipalities will require proof of PAID real estate tax bills, city fees, taxes, including personal property taxes, and trash fees if applicable for eligibility to participate in any available programs.

The owner of a single family home, townhouse, duplex, condominium, or a multi-family building
containing not more than six (6) dwelling units, may recover one hundred percent (100%) of the
eligible costs for repairing a defective residential sanitary sewer lateral serving the property of the owner, in compliance with the Amended Ordinance, City’s policy and procedures governing this
program.

The following costs are eligible for reimbursement under the program to the extent that they are
damaged and/or removed to accomplish the repair of the sanitary sewer lateral. No individual
repair shall be charged against the fund in an amount in excess of Four Thousand Dollars
($4,000.00). Any costs in excess of this amount shall be the responsibility of the property owner.

• The cost of excavation and repair or replacement of the defective sanitary sewer lateral.
  This program does not cover excavation and repair under any structure, including
  the home.
• The program will cover only sanitary sewer laterals that connect to the main sewer
  system. The program is responsible for covering the repaired sewer lateral site with clean
  fill soil, including seeding the area.

Any property owner who is in arrears to the City for any fees, taxes or other monies and is
delinquent in paying the tax bill is ineligible to participate in the program or receive any
reimbursement from the program until all past due payments have been received in full and tax
bill is current.

Commercial and industrial properties cannot participate in the program. Multi-family properties
that contain more than six (6) dwelling units per property are not eligible for this program.

*** Please Note: Most municipalities, cities, and counties with sewer lateral programs limit reimbursements and expenses to the amount available in the Fund at any time. Some offer waiting lists and reimbursements out of the next year’s Fund revenue. Funds typically are on a first-come, first-served basis. You should always check on fund availability. Additionally, most municipalities will require proof of PAID real estate tax bills, city fees, taxes, including personal property taxes, and trash fees if applicable for eligibility to participate in any available programs.

The owner of a single family home, townhouse, duplex, condominium, or a multi-family building
containing not more than six (6) dwelling units, may recover one hundred percent (100%) of the
eligible costs for repairing a defective residential sanitary sewer lateral serving the property of the owner, in compliance with the Amended Ordinance, City’s policy and procedures governing this
program.

The following costs are eligible for reimbursement under the program to the extent that they are
damaged and/or removed to accomplish the repair of the sanitary sewer lateral. No individual
repair shall be charged against the fund in an amount in excess of Four Thousand Dollars
($4,000.00). Any costs in excess of this amount shall be the responsibility of the property owner.

• The cost of excavation and repair or replacement of the defective sanitary sewer lateral.
  This program does not cover excavation and repair under any structure, including
  the home.
• The program will cover only sanitary sewer laterals that connect to the main sewer
  system. The program is responsible for covering the repaired sewer lateral site with clean
  fill soil, including seeding the area.

Any property owner who is in arrears to the City for any fees, taxes or other monies and is
delinquent in paying the tax bill is ineligible to participate in the program or receive any
reimbursement from the program until all past due payments have been received in full and tax
bill is current.

Commercial and industrial properties cannot participate in the program. Multi-family properties
that contain more than six (6) dwelling units per property are not eligible for this program.

*** Please Note: Most municipalities, cities, and counties with sewer lateral programs limit reimbursements and expenses to the amount available in the Fund at any time. Some offer waiting lists and reimbursements out of the next year’s Fund revenue. Funds typically are on a first-come, first-served basis. You should always check on fund availability. Additionally, most municipalities will require proof of PAID real estate tax bills, city fees, taxes, including personal property taxes, and trash fees if applicable for eligibility to participate in any available programs.

The sewer lateral repair program applies to a residential property having six or less dwelling units. Claims under this program may only be made for failures and defects that occur subsequent to January 1, 2003.

What is considered defective:

A sewer lateral is considered defective when there is sufficient evidence, to the satisfaction of the City, to prove that the lateral is damaged. Such evidence may include, but is not limited to, a TV inspection, MSD dye test, plumber’s verification and sketches.

If a property owner is experiencing a blockage of the sewer lateral, the property owner must first contact a plumber or drain-layer licensed by St. Louis County to have the line cabled. If cabling does not result in clearing the line, the property owner must then have a televised inspection performed and a sketch prepared showing the approximate location of the defect. After the television inspection and sketch is completed, the property owner should contact the City of Black Jack to obtain an application and instructions for participating in the program. If the property owner wants to make a claim under this repair program, the property owner shall deliver to the City of Black Jack a completed application, a copy of the paid cabling bill, the sewer lateral television inspection video, sketch and any other information requested by the Department of Public Works.

Eligibility:

If the City determines eligibility, the City’s Public Works Department shall provide the property owner the specifications for the repair/replacement of the sewer lateral. The owner must then obtain at least three (3) bids from drain layers licensed by St. Louis County, which bids shall be consistent with the City’s specifications for the sewer lateral replacement/repair. The City reserves the right to reject any and all bids received from the property owner which have not been obtained from a drain layer licensed by St. Louis County and/or which are not responsive to the City’s specifications. The sewer lateral repair/replacement project shall be awarded to the lowest responsible bidder. The City may, at any time, in its sole discretion, obtain bids for the repair/replacement work from a drain layer licensed by St. Louis County for the purpose of comparison and to determine current market conditions or for any other City purposes.

Once the property owner’s application is approved and a bid accepted, the property owner shall schedule and shall be responsible for coordinating all repairs/replacements of the sewer lateral line using the drain layer whose bid was accepted. The property owner shall pay all of the costs of the
repair/replacement not covered by this repair program.

What is covered:

The repair program covers excavation, repair or replacement of the sewer lateral, backfilling,
seeding and strawing. The top six inches of the backfill will be topsoil. Any additional work desired by the property owner will be done at the property owner’s expense. The repair program will also cover the cost to replace sidewalk, driveway and street pavement removed to accomplish the repair. The cost of replacing all other improvements removed to accomplish the repair shall be the sole responsibility of the property owner.

The City will make the final decisions regarding all aspects of this repair program, including whether or not to repair or replace a sewer lateral, eligibility of expenses, responsibility of bidders, hazardous conditions, etc. The City has no obligation or responsibility for the performance of the contractor and no responsibility for any damages caused to the property owner’s property resulting from sewer lateral defects or the activities of the contractor on the property.

*** Please Note: Most municipalities, cities, and counties with sewer lateral programs limit reimbursements and expenses to the amount available in the Fund at any time. Some offer waiting lists and reimbursements out of the next year’s Fund revenue. Funds typically are on a first-come, first-served basis. You should always check on fund availability. Additionally, most municipalities will require proof of PAID real estate tax bills, city fees, taxes, including personal property taxes, and trash fees if applicable for eligibility to participate in any available programs.

The sewer lateral repair program applies to a residential property having six or less dwelling units. Claims under this program may only be made for failures and defects that occur subsequent to January 1, 2003.

What is considered defective:

A sewer lateral is considered defective when there is sufficient evidence, to the satisfaction of the City, to prove that the lateral is damaged. Such evidence may include, but is not limited to, a TV inspection, MSD dye test, plumber’s verification and sketches.

If a property owner is experiencing a blockage of the sewer lateral, the property owner must first contact a plumber or drain-layer licensed by St. Louis County to have the line cabled. If cabling does not result in clearing the line, the property owner must then have a televised inspection performed and a sketch prepared showing the approximate location of the defect. After the television inspection and sketch is completed, the property owner should contact the City of Black Jack to obtain an application and instructions for participating in the program. If the property owner wants to make a claim under this repair program, the property owner shall deliver to the City of Black Jack a completed application, a copy of the paid cabling bill, the sewer lateral television inspection video, sketch and any other information requested by the Department of Public Works.

Eligibility:

If the City determines eligibility, the City’s Public Works Department shall provide the property owner the specifications for the repair/replacement of the sewer lateral. The owner must then obtain at least three (3) bids from drain layers licensed by St. Louis County, which bids shall be consistent with the City’s specifications for the sewer lateral replacement/repair. The City reserves the right to reject any and all bids received from the property owner which have not been obtained from a drain layer licensed by St. Louis County and/or which are not responsive to the City’s specifications. The sewer lateral repair/replacement project shall be awarded to the lowest responsible bidder. The City may, at any time, in its sole discretion, obtain bids for the repair/replacement work from a drain layer licensed by St. Louis County for the purpose of comparison and to determine current market conditions or for any other City purposes.

Once the property owner’s application is approved and a bid accepted, the property owner shall schedule and shall be responsible for coordinating all repairs/replacements of the sewer lateral line using the drain layer whose bid was accepted. The property owner shall pay all of the costs of the
repair/replacement not covered by this repair program.

What is covered:

The repair program covers excavation, repair or replacement of the sewer lateral, backfilling,
seeding and strawing. The top six inches of the backfill will be topsoil. Any additional work desired by the property owner will be done at the property owner’s expense. The repair program will also cover the cost to replace sidewalk, driveway and street pavement removed to accomplish the repair. The cost of replacing all other improvements removed to accomplish the repair shall be the sole responsibility of the property owner.

The City will make the final decisions regarding all aspects of this repair program, including whether or not to repair or replace a sewer lateral, eligibility of expenses, responsibility of bidders, hazardous conditions, etc. The City has no obligation or responsibility for the performance of the contractor and no responsibility for any damages caused to the property owner’s property resulting from sewer lateral defects or the activities of the contractor on the property.

*** Please Note: Most municipalities, cities, and counties with sewer lateral programs limit reimbursements and expenses to the amount available in the Fund at any time. Some offer waiting lists and reimbursements out of the next year’s Fund revenue. Funds typically are on a first-come, first-served basis. You should always check on fund availability. Additionally, most municipalities will require proof of PAID real estate tax bills, city fees, taxes, including personal property taxes, and trash fees if applicable for eligibility to participate in any available programs.

Who is covered:

The City of Brentwood’s sewer lateral repair program applies to single-family residential and to single-family fee simple ownership. The service is not available to commercial or industrial property (as determined by the use of the land). The property owner of a townhouse, duplex, condominium, or a multi-family building containing not more than six (6) dwelling units, is eligible to participate in compliance with the City’s policy and procedures governing this program. This program is not available to apartment buildings.

Lateral Program:

A defective lateral sewer service line is defined as a line that is not functioning properly.

The financial responsibility for contracted repairs to a covered defective sewer lateral approved by the City is limited to closed-circuit television inspection (CCTV) services, excavation, repair or replacement of the defective portion of the lateral line, and backfilling in a workmanlike manner. It will be the responsibility of the property owner to restore the landscaping and ground cover including grass in whatever manner that is consistent with any applicable property standards of the City the owner chooses. The City will not be responsible for restoration of the affected yard to the grass or landscaped surfaces, i.e., bushes, shrubs, trees, and plants.

It will be the responsibility of the City to replace sidewalks, driveways and streets, which are removed to accomplish the repair. In the event it is necessary to remove accessory structures such as fences, retaining walls, and the like, the property owner will be obligated to remove and restore such accessory structures to their pre-existing condition. In the event that obstacles such as yard sheds, garages, etc. are in the path of the sewer lateral and lie over the damaged portion of the lateral, the City reserves the right to require rerouting of the lateral to avoid the necessity of structure removal. In the event that rerouting is impractical, the City and the property owner will meet to discuss a solution equitable to both parties.

The Board of Aldermen updated the sewer lateral repair program in February 2019. Resolution 1084.2 involves these changes: Cabling/cleaning blockages is now the property owner’s responsibility. The cost ceiling for approved repairs is limited to $3,500 per calendar year.

Lateral Program document Links

City of Brentwood Sewer Lateral Repair Program (PDF)

City of Brentwood Residential Sanitary Sewer Lateral Repair Policy & Procedures (PDF)

Resolution 1084.2: Administration of City of Brentwood’s Sewer Lateral Repair Program – Adopted February 2019 (PDF)

Brentwood Forest Condominium Association Sewer Lateral Program Participation Master List (PDF)

*** Please Note: Most municipalities, cities, and counties with sewer lateral programs limit reimbursements and expenses to the amount available in the Fund at any time. Some offer waiting lists and reimbursements out of the next year’s Fund revenue. Funds typically are on a first-come, first-served basis. You should always check on fund availability. Additionally, most municipalities will require proof of PAID real estate tax bills, city fees, taxes, including personal property taxes, and trash fees if applicable for eligibility to participate in any available programs.

Who is covered:

The City of Brentwood’s sewer lateral repair program applies to single-family residential and to single-family fee simple ownership. The service is not available to commercial or industrial property (as determined by the use of the land). The property owner of a townhouse, duplex, condominium, or a multi-family building containing not more than six (6) dwelling units, is eligible to participate in compliance with the City’s policy and procedures governing this program. This program is not available to apartment buildings.

Lateral Program:

A defective lateral sewer service line is defined as a line that is not functioning properly.

The financial responsibility for contracted repairs to a covered defective sewer lateral approved by the City is limited to closed-circuit television inspection (CCTV) services, excavation, repair or replacement of the defective portion of the lateral line, and backfilling in a workmanlike manner. It will be the responsibility of the property owner to restore the landscaping and ground cover including grass in whatever manner that is consistent with any applicable property standards of the City the owner chooses. The City will not be responsible for restoration of the affected yard to the grass or landscaped surfaces, i.e., bushes, shrubs, trees, and plants.

It will be the responsibility of the City to replace sidewalks, driveways and streets, which are removed to accomplish the repair. In the event it is necessary to remove accessory structures such as fences, retaining walls, and the like, the property owner will be obligated to remove and restore such accessory structures to their pre-existing condition. In the event that obstacles such as yard sheds, garages, etc. are in the path of the sewer lateral and lie over the damaged portion of the lateral, the City reserves the right to require rerouting of the lateral to avoid the necessity of structure removal. In the event that rerouting is impractical, the City and the property owner will meet to discuss a solution equitable to both parties.

The Board of Aldermen updated the sewer lateral repair program in February 2019. Resolution 1084.2 involves these changes: Cabling/cleaning blockages is now the property owner’s responsibility. The cost ceiling for approved repairs is limited to $3,500 per calendar year.

Lateral Program document Links

City of Brentwood Sewer Lateral Repair Program (PDF)

City of Brentwood Residential Sanitary Sewer Lateral Repair Policy & Procedures (PDF)

Resolution 1084.2: Administration of City of Brentwood’s Sewer Lateral Repair Program – Adopted February 2019 (PDF)

Brentwood Forest Condominium Association Sewer Lateral Program Participation Master List (PDF)

*** Please Note: Most municipalities, cities, and counties with sewer lateral programs limit reimbursements and expenses to the amount available in the Fund at any time. Some offer waiting lists and reimbursements out of the next year’s Fund revenue. Funds typically are on a first-come, first-served basis. You should always check on fund availability. Additionally, most municipalities will require proof of PAID real estate tax bills, city fees, taxes, including personal property taxes, and trash fees if applicable for eligibility to participate in any available programs.