If the repair is yours to pay
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- Your building
- Your part: the whole lateral, up to the connection with the main
- Connection to the main
- Public sewer main
Drawn from the rule quoted on this page. Exceptions above still apply.
Default rule and exceptions
DWSD maintains the public sewer collection system. The property owner is responsible for the sewer line from the structure all the way to the connection at the city sewer collection pipe. Most Detroit sewer lines connect in the alley or former alley; some neighborhoods connect under the street out front.
| Party | What they are responsible for |
|---|---|
| Property owner | Detroit Water and Sewerage Department: "Property owners are responsible for the drains inside the house/structure, on the private property and the sewer line coming from the structure all the way to the connection at the city sewer collection pipe." |
| City / public agency | DWSD: "DWSD is responsible for the sewer collection system." (For water, DWSD maintains mains and service lines up to the curbstop; the owner has the line from curbstop into the home.) |
| Exceptions | None on record |
What the source says
Last verified against the primary source on Sep 1, 2026.
DWSD is responsible for the sewer collection system. Property owners are responsible for the drains inside the house/structure, on the private property and the sewer line coming from the structure all the way to the connection at the city sewer collection pipe.
Most sewer lines connect in the alley or former alley (those vacated to the property owners by the city), while only a few neighborhoods have the sewer line connect under the street in front of the house/structure.
City rules rest on state law. Read Michigan's sidewalk statute, quoted verbatim, or see all 50 states in one table.
Common questions
Who pays for sewer lateral in Detroit, MI?
The property owner. Detroit Water and Sewerage Department: "Property owners are responsible for the drains inside the house/structure, on the private property and the sewer line coming from the structure all the way to the connection at the city sewer collection pipe."
What does the city cover in Detroit, MI?
DWSD: "DWSD is responsible for the sewer collection system." (For water, DWSD maintains mains and service lines up to the curbstop; the owner has the line from curbstop into the home.)
What is this based on for Detroit, MI?
This verdict is sourced to Water and Sewer Maintenance/Emergencies - Who is Responsible for the Sewer Pipes? and 2 sources in total, each independently re-checked before publication.
Sources
- Water and Sewer Maintenance/Emergencies - Who is Responsible for the Sewer Pipes?official-guide · verified-primary · accessed 2026-09-27
- Water and Sewer Maintenance/Emergencies - Who is Responsible for the Sewer Pipes?official-guide · verified-primary · accessed 2026-09-27
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