Who Qualifies

Inquiries should be directed to the City Clerk of the City of Charlack.

The owner of a single-family home, duplex or apartment building containing not more than six (6) dwelling units may recover eighty percent (80%) up to three thousand five hundred dollars ($3,500.00) of the cost for repairing defective lateral sewer service lines serving the property of the owner. Applications for reimbursement must adhere to the City’s policy set forth in this document.

Process

The City will authorize the repair of a defective sewer lateral if, after investigation, it is found to be crushed beyond the control of the property owner except for an act of God (i.e., earthquake, etc.) or if, as a result of pipe cracks or leaking joints, tree roots or soil have infiltrated the pipe resulting in a blockage of the pipe rendering the lateral not functional. Simple blockage that can be corrected by sewer cleaning or rodding will not be covered under this program.

The responsibility of the City is limited to excavation and repair of the lateral pipe and backfilling in a workmanlike manner. It will be the responsibility of the property owner to restore landscaping and ground cover, including grass, in whatever manner they choose. The City will not be responsible for restoration of the yard to a grass or landscaped surface.

The City reserves the right to reject any portion of the property owner’s bill which does not fall within the reasonable and customary costs for such a project. The City will also have the right to reject ancillary costs which are deemed excessive or unnecessary.

If an owner is experiencing a problem with the lateral sewer service line, the owner should contact a plumbing company or drain and sewer cleaning company to have the line cabled. The cost of cleaning out the sewer line will not be a reimbursable cost item. If the problem is not resolved by cabling of the line, the property owner should contact the Public Works Department or the office of the City Clerk at Charlack City Hall (#427-4715) between the hours of 9:00 A.M. and 4:00 P.M., Monday through Friday.

*** 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 Qualifies

Inquiries should be directed to the City Clerk of the City of Charlack.

The owner of a single-family home, duplex or apartment building containing not more than six (6) dwelling units may recover eighty percent (80%) up to three thousand five hundred dollars ($3,500.00) of the cost for repairing defective lateral sewer service lines serving the property of the owner. Applications for reimbursement must adhere to the City’s policy set forth in this document.

Process

The City will authorize the repair of a defective sewer lateral if, after investigation, it is found to be crushed beyond the control of the property owner except for an act of God (i.e., earthquake, etc.) or if, as a result of pipe cracks or leaking joints, tree roots or soil have infiltrated the pipe resulting in a blockage of the pipe rendering the lateral not functional. Simple blockage that can be corrected by sewer cleaning or rodding will not be covered under this program.

The responsibility of the City is limited to excavation and repair of the lateral pipe and backfilling in a workmanlike manner. It will be the responsibility of the property owner to restore landscaping and ground cover, including grass, in whatever manner they choose. The City will not be responsible for restoration of the yard to a grass or landscaped surface.

The City reserves the right to reject any portion of the property owner’s bill which does not fall within the reasonable and customary costs for such a project. The City will also have the right to reject ancillary costs which are deemed excessive or unnecessary.

If an owner is experiencing a problem with the lateral sewer service line, the owner should contact a plumbing company or drain and sewer cleaning company to have the line cabled. The cost of cleaning out the sewer line will not be a reimbursable cost item. If the problem is not resolved by cabling of the line, the property owner should contact the Public Works Department or the office of the City Clerk at Charlack City Hall (#427-4715) between the hours of 9:00 A.M. and 4:00 P.M., Monday through Friday.

*** 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.

St. Louis County will pay lowest of the three bids.

St. Louis County will pay lowest of the three bids.

The City of Creve Coeur insures sewer laterals for homes in the City for up to fifty percent (50%) of the cost to repair defective laterals, with a maximum City contribution of $7,500. A sewer lateral is the pipe that carries household waste from the home to the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District (MSD) sewer main. This program covers only the portion of the lateral pipe between the house connection and the sewer main. This program does not cover a sewer line located under any part of a building or a break inside of the home.

SEWER LATERAL LINE BREAKS:

When a sewer lateral line breaks or becomes clogged, sewage typically backs up into the home or yard. Areas in the yard may also sink or collapse in the vicinity of the broken pipe. If you believe your sewer lateral line is broken or clogged, there are a few steps that you need to take before filing a claim with the City.

WHAT TO DO:

1. Contact a plumber or sewer cleaning service to have your sewer lateral cleaned and/or cleared of root infiltration. This is a home-maintenance expense that is not reimbursable by the City.
2. If cleaning does not solve the problem, then you should have a plumber complete a video inspection of the lateral.
3. Complete an application for the program and submit it and a copy of the inspection video, report, and supporting documentation to the Department of Public Works for review. The application for the program can be found here: Sanitary Sewer Lateral Application
4. The Department of Public Works will evaluate whether the lateral has issues that warrant repairs and whether these repairs qualify for reimbursement through the program. Staff will typically review the inspection and notify the applicant of the findings within five (5) days.
5. If the City determines that the inspection shows that the lateral has defects that warrant repair or replacement that qualifies for the program, then you must obtain three (3) repair bids and submit these bids to the City for review.
6. The City will review the bids for consistency and completeness and will determine the lowest responsible bid for the work.  The City will set the reimbursement amount based upon the lowest responsible bid.
7. It is the responsibility of the homeowner to enter into an agreement with the contractor to perform the work, to schedule the work, and to pay the contractor.
8. Upon completion of the work, the homeowner must submit copies of the following:
   (1)  Sanitary Sewer Lateral Application
   (2)  Copies of all bids received
   (3)  A receipt showing payment (in full) to the contractor
   (4)  A receipt showing all real estate taxes for the current year are paid in full for the property at which the repairs took place
   (5)  A lien waiver from the contractor for the work
   (6)  A completed permit for the work from the St. Louis County Plumbing Department

REIMBURSEMENT:

Upon receipt of all required documents, the City will reimburse the property owner for 50% of the cost of all qualifying repairs, with the City paying a maximum of $7,500. Prior to the reimbursement, the homeowner must pay the plumber in full, as well as any outstanding City bills (such as permit fees, fines for violations, and charges for copies) and the current year’s St. Louis County real estate taxes.

QUESTIONS?

Please contact Kellie Henke in the Department of Public Works at (314) 872-2533 if you have any questions.

*** 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 of Creve Coeur insures sewer laterals for homes in the City for up to fifty percent (50%) of the cost to repair defective laterals, with a maximum City contribution of $7,500. A sewer lateral is the pipe that carries household waste from the home to the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District (MSD) sewer main. This program covers only the portion of the lateral pipe between the house connection and the sewer main. This program does not cover a sewer line located under any part of a building or a break inside of the home.

SEWER LATERAL LINE BREAKS:

When a sewer lateral line breaks or becomes clogged, sewage typically backs up into the home or yard. Areas in the yard may also sink or collapse in the vicinity of the broken pipe. If you believe your sewer lateral line is broken or clogged, there are a few steps that you need to take before filing a claim with the City.

WHAT TO DO:

1. Contact a plumber or sewer cleaning service to have your sewer lateral cleaned and/or cleared of root infiltration. This is a home-maintenance expense that is not reimbursable by the City.
2. If cleaning does not solve the problem, then you should have a plumber complete a video inspection of the lateral.
3. Complete an application for the program and submit it and a copy of the inspection video, report, and supporting documentation to the Department of Public Works for review. The application for the program can be found here: Sanitary Sewer Lateral Application
4. The Department of Public Works will evaluate whether the lateral has issues that warrant repairs and whether these repairs qualify for reimbursement through the program. Staff will typically review the inspection and notify the applicant of the findings within five (5) days.
5. If the City determines that the inspection shows that the lateral has defects that warrant repair or replacement that qualifies for the program, then you must obtain three (3) repair bids and submit these bids to the City for review.
6. The City will review the bids for consistency and completeness and will determine the lowest responsible bid for the work.  The City will set the reimbursement amount based upon the lowest responsible bid.
7. It is the responsibility of the homeowner to enter into an agreement with the contractor to perform the work, to schedule the work, and to pay the contractor.
8. Upon completion of the work, the homeowner must submit copies of the following:
   (1)  Sanitary Sewer Lateral Application
   (2)  Copies of all bids received
   (3)  A receipt showing payment (in full) to the contractor
   (4)  A receipt showing all real estate taxes for the current year are paid in full for the property at which the repairs took place
   (5)  A lien waiver from the contractor for the work
   (6)  A completed permit for the work from the St. Louis County Plumbing Department

REIMBURSEMENT:

Upon receipt of all required documents, the City will reimburse the property owner for 50% of the cost of all qualifying repairs, with the City paying a maximum of $7,500. Prior to the reimbursement, the homeowner must pay the plumber in full, as well as any outstanding City bills (such as permit fees, fines for violations, and charges for copies) and the current year’s St. Louis County real estate taxes.

QUESTIONS?

Please contact Kellie Henke in the Department of Public Works at (314) 872-2533 if you have any questions.

*** 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 is not available to multi-family buildings or to renters. This service is limited to covering 60% of the required costs for the repairs. The Homeowner is subject to the remaining 40% of the required costs for the repairs.

A sewer lateral is defined as the portion of the sewage system that carries household wastes to the MSD or private sewer main and which begins six inches (6 “) from the cast iron or plastic stub-out point OUTSIDE the foundation or exterior wall of the residential dwelling structure and ends at the MSD or private sewer main. The definition is the same whether the pipe is located in the front, side, or rear yard. Damaged or blocked pipes located within six (6”) inches, or within, or under the exterior walls or foundation of the residential dwelling structure are NOT covered by this program.

If the owner is experiencing a problem with the lateral sewer service line, the owner should contact a plumber/drain layer company, licensed in St. Louis County, to have the line cabled and cleared. Their report is to be attached to the application. Sometimes the problem is not within the sewer line. It may have clogged up from the entry of improper materials. The cost of cleaning out the sewer lateral will not be a reimbursable cost item.

If the problem is not resolved by cabling of the line, the property owner should contact the Jim Griffin of the Frontenac Public Works Department between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday (314-994-9861 or jgriffin@cityoffrontenac.org). The owner must fill-out an application form before being processed.

The owner must provide a copy of their most recent paid real estate tax bill for the address requiring sewer lateral assistance. Unpaid tax bills will not be covered under the program.

Crystal Lake Park may arrange for the Metropolitan Sewer District to perform a dye test. In most instances, this will disclose whether there is a break in the sewer line.

If a dye test is performed and does not indicate a break in the sewer service line, the owner may hire a contractor to televise the line so that the cause of the problem can be determined. If that discloses that the line is defective, the cost of such testing, to the maximum of $150.00 is includable as part of the reimbursable cost.

When it is determined from the television inspection that the service line is defective, the homeowner shall solicit bids (or if a yearly bid is taken, the chosen contractor) from St. Louis County licensed plumbers or drain layers for the necessary repair work. Solicitation of bids may also be sought for individual repairs even if a yearly bid has been taken.

From the bids received, Crystal Lake Park may hire a contractor which it determines has submitted the lowest bid to repair the sewer service line. The contractor shall obtain any necessary permits from the City of Crystal Lake Park, and from St. Louis County, to perform the work in compliance with applicable St. Louis County and Crystal Lake Park codes, and submit to Crystal Lake Park upon completion of repair work. The contractor is expected to accomplish the contracted work within a fourteen-day period.

The corrective work which is subject to reimbursement from the Fund is limited to excavation, repair or replacement of the defective portion of the line, backfilling, and seeding and straw of the disturbed portion of the yard. Additional work shall be done at the homeowner’s expense. This will include later settling of the dirt and grass and any replanting that may be necessary.

Upon completion of the corrective work and confirmation that the contracted work has been accomplished, Crystal Lake Park will pay the contractor 60% of the corrective work, not to exceed the amount of the approved bid.

The City of Crystal Lake Park has no obligation or responsibility for the performance by the contractor, and no responsibility for any damages caused to the homeowner’s property because of the sewer line defects.

This stated program shall not include damage to the lateral lines which occur from “Acts of God, People, or Nature” such as, but is not exclusive to, earthquakes, floods, trees, lightning, tornados, vandalism, or other such natural environmental and weather-related disasters.

*** 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 is not available to multi-family buildings or to renters. This service is limited to covering 60% of the required costs for the repairs. The Homeowner is subject to the remaining 40% of the required costs for the repairs.

A sewer lateral is defined as the portion of the sewage system that carries household wastes to the MSD or private sewer main and which begins six inches (6 “) from the cast iron or plastic stub-out point OUTSIDE the foundation or exterior wall of the residential dwelling structure and ends at the MSD or private sewer main. The definition is the same whether the pipe is located in the front, side, or rear yard. Damaged or blocked pipes located within six (6”) inches, or within, or under the exterior walls or foundation of the residential dwelling structure are NOT covered by this program.

If the owner is experiencing a problem with the lateral sewer service line, the owner should contact a plumber/drain layer company, licensed in St. Louis County, to have the line cabled and cleared. Their report is to be attached to the application. Sometimes the problem is not within the sewer line. It may have clogged up from the entry of improper materials. The cost of cleaning out the sewer lateral will not be a reimbursable cost item.

If the problem is not resolved by cabling of the line, the property owner should contact the Jim Griffin of the Frontenac Public Works Department between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday (314-994-9861 or jgriffin@cityoffrontenac.org). The owner must fill-out an application form before being processed.

The owner must provide a copy of their most recent paid real estate tax bill for the address requiring sewer lateral assistance. Unpaid tax bills will not be covered under the program.

Crystal Lake Park may arrange for the Metropolitan Sewer District to perform a dye test. In most instances, this will disclose whether there is a break in the sewer line.

If a dye test is performed and does not indicate a break in the sewer service line, the owner may hire a contractor to televise the line so that the cause of the problem can be determined. If that discloses that the line is defective, the cost of such testing, to the maximum of $150.00 is includable as part of the reimbursable cost.

When it is determined from the television inspection that the service line is defective, the homeowner shall solicit bids (or if a yearly bid is taken, the chosen contractor) from St. Louis County licensed plumbers or drain layers for the necessary repair work. Solicitation of bids may also be sought for individual repairs even if a yearly bid has been taken.

From the bids received, Crystal Lake Park may hire a contractor which it determines has submitted the lowest bid to repair the sewer service line. The contractor shall obtain any necessary permits from the City of Crystal Lake Park, and from St. Louis County, to perform the work in compliance with applicable St. Louis County and Crystal Lake Park codes, and submit to Crystal Lake Park upon completion of repair work. The contractor is expected to accomplish the contracted work within a fourteen-day period.

The corrective work which is subject to reimbursement from the Fund is limited to excavation, repair or replacement of the defective portion of the line, backfilling, and seeding and straw of the disturbed portion of the yard. Additional work shall be done at the homeowner’s expense. This will include later settling of the dirt and grass and any replanting that may be necessary.

Upon completion of the corrective work and confirmation that the contracted work has been accomplished, Crystal Lake Park will pay the contractor 60% of the corrective work, not to exceed the amount of the approved bid.

The City of Crystal Lake Park has no obligation or responsibility for the performance by the contractor, and no responsibility for any damages caused to the homeowner’s property because of the sewer line defects.

This stated program shall not include damage to the lateral lines which occur from “Acts of God, People, or Nature” such as, but is not exclusive to, earthquakes, floods, trees, lightning, tornados, vandalism, or other such natural environmental and weather-related disasters.

*** 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.