Sanitary Sewer Lateral Program

Residents of the City of Creve Coeur voted to approve Proposition S, establishing the Sanitary Sewer Lateral Repair Program. Effective April 6, 1999, this program provides reimbursement of 80% or up to $7,500 for costs associated with collapsed or broken residential sewer lateral service lines.

What is the purpose of the Sanitary Sewer Lateral Insurance Program?
To provide a safe and healthy environment for the residents of Creve Coeur and to minimize homeowners repair costs.

How does the City of Creve Coeur Sewer Lateral Program work?
This program applies to residential property containing six (6) or fewer dwelling units. The cost of the program is funded through an annual fee not to exceed $28, which is placed on the property owner’s St. Louis County property tax bill.
The portion of the private sewer lateral covered by the insurance program is the pipe which carries household wastes to the MSD sewer main, which lies between the house connection and the sewer main. The definition is the same whether the lateral pipe is located in the front, side, or rear yard. It does not include a sewer line located under any part of the building, nor does it include pumps or lift equipment. Properties that do not connect to MSD sewer mains or which have individual disposal systems such as septic fields are not assessed the annual fees and are excluded from the insurance program.

What do I do if my sewer lateral becomes blocked?
CABLING
If you experience a blockage of your lateral sewer line, the first thing to do is have the line cabled. In many cases roots are the cause of the blockage and cabling will clear the line. Cabling a blocked sewer lateral is a home maintenance expense. The cost of cabling is not reimbursable under this program. If the blockage is not resolved by cabling, you should file an application with the city.

VIDEO BIDS
Obtain an audio video and field location bids from the list provided by the city to inspect the line and submit the bids to the city for recommendation. (should cost about $230.)

REPAIR BIDS
If the inspection shows that the line requires repair or replacement, obtain three repair bids from the list provided by the city and submit to the city for recommendation. The city will review the bids depicting the scope of work and recommend a contractor to perform the work. The homeowner will make arrangements and sign the agreement with the contractor. The contractor will obtain all necessary permits from St. Louis County and the city and will perform the work in compliance with all applicable codes.

Upon completion of the work submit copies of the following:
Application
Paid receipt from the contractor
Paid real estate tax bill for the current year for the address of the repairs
Lien waiver from the contractor
Completed permit from St. Louis County Plumbing Department
Copies of all bids

Upon receipt of all required documents, the city will reimburse the property owner 80% of the cost of the repairs up to a maximum of $7,500.

Prior to reimbursement, any and all city bills, such as weed invoices, permits and copies, and the current year St. Louis County Real Estate taxes must be paid in full.

Who is responsible for repair cost associated with a sewer lateral repair?
The homeowner is responsible for repairing problems with their sewer lateral. The average cost of these repairs is typically $3,000 or more. MSD does not pay for sewer lateral repairs. The city’s Sewer Lateral Insurance Program is designed to assist the homeowner in covering these expenses.

What work is covered by the insurance?
The corrective work subject to reimbursement from the insurance fund, is limited to excavation, repair or replacement of only the defective portion of the sewer line, backfilling including six (6) inches of top soil, repairing sidewalk, driveways, street pavement, and seeding and strawing of the disturbed portion of the yards. It is the responsibility of the property owner to restore landscaping, patios, shrubbery and ground cover, including grass, restoration of the yard and/or landscaped surface.

Who can perform the repair work?
Plumbers or drain layers that are licensed with St. Louis County Plumbing Department. A list is available at the Department of Public Works.

Where do I apply for the Sanitary Sewer Lateral Insurance Program?
Applications are available here and at the
Creve Coeur Government Center
Department of Public Works
300 N. New Ballas Road
Creve Coeur, MO 63141
You may also call the Department of Public Works at 314-872-2533.