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Default rule and exceptions
Dallas City Code Sec. 49-24 makes the city responsible for the wastewater service connection only from the main to the property line. The building lateral on the owner's side of the property line is the owner's.
| Party | What they are responsible for |
|---|---|
| Property owner | Dallas City Code: "A building lateral and building water line must be laid up to the property line and the end left exposed." |
| City / public agency | Dallas City Code Sec. 49-24: "The city is responsible for maintenance of a service connection from the main to the meter, or from the main to the property line where the connection is unmetered, in the case of water service and from the main to the property line in the case of wastewater service." |
| Exceptions | None on record |
What the source says
Last verified against the primary source on Sep 27, 2026.
The city is responsible for maintenance of a service connection from the main to the meter, or from the main to the property line where the connection is unmetered, in the case of water service and from the main to the property line in the case of wastewater service.
A building lateral and building water line must be laid up to the property line and the end left exposed.
City rules rest on state law. Read Texas's sidewalk statute, quoted verbatim, or see all 50 states in one table.
Common questions
Who pays for sewer lateral in Dallas, TX?
The property owner. Dallas City Code: "A building lateral and building water line must be laid up to the property line and the end left exposed."
What does the city cover in Dallas, TX?
Dallas City Code Sec. 49-24: "The city is responsible for maintenance of a service connection from the main to the meter, or from the main to the property line where the connection is unmetered, in the case of water service and from the main to the property line in the case of wastewater service."
What is this based on for Dallas, TX?
This verdict is sourced to SEC. 49-24. SERVICE CONNECTIONS. and 2 sources in total, each independently re-checked before publication.
Sources
- SEC. 49-24. SERVICE CONNECTIONS.ordinance · verified-primary · accessed 2026-09-27
- SEC. 49-24. SERVICE CONNECTIONS.ordinance · verified-primary · accessed 2026-09-27
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