LONGVIEW, Wash. -- Beginning March 1, a clog or plug in the portion of a building sewer pipe that lies in the public right-of-way may now be the property owner’s responsibility in Longview.

Building sewer pipes connect homes or businesses to the public sewer main to transport wastewater to the wastewater treatment plant.

If roots or a break in the pipe is the problem, the City of Longview will continue to make the repair. However, if the cause is grease, rags, towels, or other items that should not be flushed or washed down a drain, the property owner is now responsible for the costs.

The major portion of the building sewer pipe is on the owner’s property, with only a small section in the public right-of-way. Property owners are responsible for clogged or broken pipes on their own property.

If you have a sewer backup, call a sewer and drain cleaning service. If it is determined that roots or a broken pipe in the public right-of-way is the cause, a claim can be filed with the City Clerk for reimbursement costs of the sewer and drain company service call.