Sewer Line Replacement in Tempe, AZ

Why do so many Tempe homes need a new sewer line?

Age is the main reason. Census estimates put Tempe's median home at 1983, and the city is landlocked, so it has few new subdivisions to pull that number forward. Houses built in the 1960s and 1970s often went in with clay or cast iron drain lines. Clay joints shift and let roots inside; cast iron rusts and builds scale until the pipe cracks or its bottom wears through. After several decades, those defects tend to be scattered along the whole run, which is why a camera often shows replacement is the better use of money than repeated clearing and spot fixes.

Who handles what in Tempe?

The City of Tempe Water Utilities Division provides water, wastewater and stormwater service, and its customer service line is 480-350-8361. Water emergencies go to the city's emergency line at 480-350-2837, and a sewage problem that affects the street or several homes should be reported to the city as well. If only your home is backing up, the private lateral is the more likely cause, and that is the owner's to fix through a plumber.

Do I need a permit to replace it?

Very likely. Tempe's homeowner's guide to permits says separate plumbing permits are required when applicable, and that leak repairs are exempt only when they don't involve replacing or rearranging valves, pipes or fixtures. Replacing a sewer line clearly involves replacing pipe. The Development Services permit counter at City Hall, 31 E. 5th Street, Garden Level (480-350-4311), can confirm what's needed, and the plumber normally arranges the inspection before the line is covered. Ask each plumber you talk to whether the permit and inspection are included in the price, and who is responsible if the inspector asks for changes.

A local note

Tempe's north end is densely built, with narrow side yards, alleys, block walls and mature shade trees that complicate digging. Lower-density neighborhoods to the south have more yard but also more landscaping and hardscape over the route. In either case, a camera inspection and line locate come first, so the plumber can tell you whether pipe bursting or lining is realistic or whether the line has sagged enough to need an open trench.