If the repair is yours to pay
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Default rule and exceptions
Owner owns the full lateral from inside the basement to the BWSC main in the street. BWSC owns only the main.
| Party | What they are responsible for |
|---|---|
| Property owner | BWSC: "property owners are responsible for all expenses resulting from maintenance and repair of their property's entire lateral from inside the property's basement to BWSC's sewer main in the street." |
| City / public agency | BWSC maintains its sewer main in the public way and offers a one-time grant "up to a maximum reimbursement of either $8,000 for an 8' relay or $6,000 for a full lateral line," once per 10 years. |
| Exceptions | BWSC financial-assistance grant: up to $8,000 (8ft relay) or $6,000 (full replacement), once per 10 years |
What the source says
Last verified against the primary source on Sep 27, 2026.
While BWSC is responsible for maintaining its sewer main located in a public way, property owners are responsible for all expenses resulting from maintenance and repair of their property's entire lateral from inside the property's basement to BWSC's sewer main in the street.
Building sewers and building storm drains, whether located on public or private property, are owned by the owner of the premises served.
BWSC may provide a one-time grant (up to a maximum reimbursement of either $8,000 for an 8' relay or $6,000 for a full lateral line)
City rules rest on state law. Read Massachusetts's sidewalk statute, quoted verbatim, or see all 50 states in one table.
Common questions
Who pays for sewer lateral in Boston, MA?
The property owner. BWSC: "property owners are responsible for all expenses resulting from maintenance and repair of their property's entire lateral from inside the property's basement to BWSC's sewer main in the street."
What does the city cover in Boston, MA?
BWSC maintains its sewer main in the public way and offers a one-time grant "up to a maximum reimbursement of either $8,000 for an 8' relay or $6,000 for a full lateral line," once per 10 years.
Are there exceptions in Boston, MA?
BWSC financial-assistance grant: up to $8,000 (8ft relay) or $6,000 (full replacement), once per 10 years
Is there any cost help for sewer lateral in Boston, MA?
BWSC financial-assistance grant: up to $8,000 (8ft relay) or $6,000 (full replacement), once per 10 years
What is this based on for Boston, MA?
This verdict is sourced to Sewer Lateral Financial Assistance Program and 3 sources in total, each independently re-checked before publication.
Sources
- Sewer Lateral Financial Assistance Programofficial-guide · verified-primary · accessed 2026-09-27
- Regulations Governing the Use of Sanitary and Storm Sewers, Section 7(a)ordinance · verified-primary · accessed 2026-09-27
- Sewer Lateral Financial Assistanceofficial-guide · verified-primary · accessed 2026-09-27
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