Who is responsible for the sewer line in Philadelphia?
The property owner. PWD lists the house main drain, curb trap, vent pipe, lateral, the slant (tap) that connects to the sewer, and, in separate-sewer areas, the house storm drain as the customer’s responsibility. PWD maintains the public sewer main.
Source: Philadelphia Water Department (PWD): Customer Responsibilities
What is a PWD Notice of Defect?
A notice from the Philadelphia Water Department saying a water or sewer line you are responsible for is not fully operational. You must repair it and come into compliance within the period stated on the notice.
Source: Philadelphia Water Department (PWD): Customer Responsibilities
What is the HELP loan?
PWD’s Homeowner’s Emergency Loan Program is a zero-interest loan for repairs to water service lines, curb traps, main drains and sewer laterals, and for lead service line replacement. It is repaid in 60 monthly installments on your water bill (TAP and senior-discount customers can choose 120 or 180 months), and a lien is placed on the property.
Source: City of Philadelphia: Homeowner’s Emergency Loan Program (HELP), PWD Regulations, Chapter 2: Assistance Programs, Sections 200–201 (PDF)
Who qualifies for the HELP loan?
Owners of residential (or primarily residential) properties with four or fewer units who have a Notice of Defect, a qualifying private sewer connection, or a confirmed lead service line; who are current on payment agreements and not more than two billing cycles behind; who have an operable water meter; and who consent to a lien.
Source: City of Philadelphia: Homeowner’s Emergency Loan Program (HELP), PWD: HELP Loan Pre-Application and requirements
How do I apply for the HELP loan?
Submit a pre-application online at water.phila.gov/helploan, on the paper form, or by calling (215) 685-4901. PWD contacts you within two business days to schedule an inspection, then gives you a cost estimate and loan agreement to review.
Source: City of Philadelphia: Homeowner’s Emergency Loan Program (HELP)
How much does sewer line repair cost in Philadelphia?
Published 2026 estimates range from $125–$500 for a camera inspection to $1,150–$4,600 for a spot repair and $3,550–$13,400 for a full replacement (most around $8,500, per Costadia). Deep, alley-limited jobs can exceed $28,750, per PlumbingPriceGuide.
Source: Costadia: Sewer Line Replacement Cost in Philadelphia, PA (updated June 2026), PlumbingPriceGuide: Sewer Line Repair Cost in Philadelphia (March 2026)
Do I need a permit to repair my sewer lateral?
Yes. A PWD Sewer Connection Permit covers the lateral and connection up to the curb trap, and an L&I Plumbing Permit covers on-site work up to and including the curb trap. Sidewalk and street work need Streets Department permits. A licensed plumber pulls these.
Source: PWD Sewer Connection Manual (PDF), City of Philadelphia L&I: Get a Plumbing Permit
Can a Philadelphia rowhome get trenchless sewer repair?
Often, if a camera inspection shows the pipe is a good candidate. Collapsed sections, severe sags, or problems at the curb trap or main connection may still need digging.
Source: PlumbingPriceGuide: Sewer Line Repair Cost in Philadelphia (March 2026)
Sewage is backing up in my basement during rain. Who do I call?
If the City sewer is backing up, especially during heavy rain or when neighbors are affected, call the PWD Customer Hotline at (215) 685-6300, available 24/7. You may also qualify for PWD’s free Basement Backup Protection Program. If the backup happens in dry weather and only in your house, call a licensed plumber.
Source: PWD: Water Infrastructure Emergencies (customer responsibility diagram, hotline), City of Philadelphia: Basement Backup Protection Program
Does PWD install backwater valves for free?
Through the Basement Backup Protection Program, PWD pays for backwater valve installation and downspout modifications at eligible properties where City sewer water backs up during rain. Your bill must be current or on a payment agreement, and your lateral must be in good condition. You maintain the device after its one-year warranty.
Source: City of Philadelphia: Basement Backup Protection Program
Are you a plumber?
No. Philly Sewer Repair is a free referral service. We connect Philadelphia homeowners with independent, licensed plumbers, who quote and perform the work. We may receive a fee from the plumbers we refer. We are not affiliated with PWD or the City of Philadelphia.
Does it cost anything to use this service?
No. Using the service is free, and you are under no obligation to hire the plumber we connect you with.
More detail: PWD & HELP loan guide · Cost guide · When to call a plumber vs. PWD · Buying a house · All guides · How our service works