Seattle / note 39

Separate the private side sewer from the public main

SPU says a Seattle property owner's side sewer generally runs from the building to the connection with the public sewer main. A contractor's inspection may be needed before responsibility can be placed on a specific defect.

Call about the plumbing877-702-1610

OBSERVERoom / trigger / extentVERIFYIdentity / scope / terms

Scene note

Preserve the first backup point, affected fixtures, cleaning history, side-sewer card or map, camera evidence, and exact location of any finding. Do not enter a pipe or excavation.

First five minutes

Put these five details on the same page

Each note narrows the conversation without pretending to reveal a concealed cause.

Building drain

Identify the last accessible interior point included in the inspection.

Side-sewer map

Retrieve the available public record without treating linework as current condition.

Camera evidence

Request a labeled video with distance, direction, and observed feature.

Public-main question

Give SPU the contractor evidence and retain the utility work-order reference.

Repair authority

Confirm permit, access, right-of-way, and inspection needs for the actual method.

Solution map

Keep responsibility visible while the evidence changes

SPU may investigate the public main when a contractor identifies a possible public-main or connection issue. Keep the provider's diagnosis distinct from the utility's determination.

01Protect the immediate area.
02Write what can be observed safely.
03Identify the responsible party.
04Authorize a supported scope.

Closeout note

Leave the next reader a usable record

A repair record should include ownership boundary, selected method, access and right-of-way needs, permits, inspections, restoration, video, invoice, and remaining maintenance.