# Houston Sewer Backup: Who Pays? | Who Pays the Repair?

> Houston says it will not reimburse sewage damage from a clogged city sewer line; a 90-day sworn written notice still applies.

**Who pays:** depends

Houston's Legal Department says the City will not reimburse sewage cleanup or repair from a clogged sewer line, because under State law it is not liable for that damage. Any property damage claim against the City still needs a verified written notice within 90 days.

**Boundary:** Houston's Legal Department says the City will not reimburse sewage cleanup or repair costs from a clogged sewer line because, under State law, the City is not liable for property damage caused by a defective or clogged sewer line. The City Charter requires a verified written notice within 90 days for property damage claims.

**Exceptions:** Missing the 90-day written notice can bar a claim

## Sources
- [Filing a Claim](https://www.houstontx.gov/legal/fileclaim.html) — "Will the City reimburse me for the cost to repair and clean sewage from the interior of my residence which resulted from a clogged sewer line? No. Texas law determines whether the City and other governmental entities in the State of Texas can pay for these claims. Under State law, the City is not liable for property damage caused by a defective or clogged sewer line." (accessed 2026-10-01)
- [Filing a Claim (City Charter notice provision)](https://www.houstontx.gov/legal/fileclaim.html) — "shall give the mayor and city council notice in writing of such injury or destruction, duly verified, within 90 days after the same has been sustained" (accessed 2026-10-01)

_Last verified 2026-10-01. Source: Who Pays the Repair? — https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/houston-sewer-backup-who-pays/ — every claim checked against a primary source before publication (see /methodology/)._