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Default rule and exceptions
Under Fort Worth Code § 35-57.5(k), the city owns and maintains the sanitary sewer tap and wastewater service connection from the main to the property line, while § 35-57.5(i) requires the property owner to verify the grade of the building sewer lateral on the private-property side before the city will complete the tap.
| Party | What they are responsible for |
|---|---|
| City of Fort Worth | Owns and maintains the sanitary sewer tap and wastewater service connection from the main to the property line, after the owner pays for initial construction. |
| Property owner | Must verify in writing that the building sewer lateral on their side of the property line can be installed to a grade permitting the city's tap, before construction. |
| Exceptions | None on record |
What the source says
Last verified against the primary source on Sep 26, 2026.
The sanitary sewer tap shall be constructed at the expense of the owner/customer. The city shall then own and maintain the sewer tap upon completion and acceptance. ... The city shall maintain wastewater service connections from the main to the property line.
Prior to any construction of a building sewer lateral, the property owner shall verify in writing that the sewer lateral is capable of being installed to such a grade that will permit a sanitary sewer tap to be made by the city...
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 Fort Worth, TX?
Responsibility is shared. Owns and maintains the sanitary sewer tap and wastewater service connection from the main to the property line, after the owner pays for initial construction.
What is this based on for Fort Worth, TX?
This verdict is sourced to Fort Worth Code of Ordinances § 35-57.5: Sewer Tap Connections (Ownership and maintenance) and 2 sources in total, each independently re-checked before publication.
Sources
- Fort Worth Code of Ordinances § 35-57.5: Sewer Tap Connections (Ownership and maintenance)regulation · verified-primary · accessed 2026-09-27
- Fort Worth Code of Ordinances § 35-57.5(i): Grade verification (building sewer lateral, owner duty)regulation · verified-primary · accessed 2026-09-13
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