Did you know that prior to buying or selling a property in the City of Tacoma, real estate professionals are required to provide a Side Sewer Education Flyer to buyers and sellers they are representing during closing of a property? In fact, this requirement has been in place in the City of Tacoma since 2010.

Why does this matter? In Tacoma, property owners are responsible for repair and maintenance of their private side sewer. Buildings constructed prior to 1980 are also likely to have side sewers made of clay or concrete pipes. These can crack, shift out of place, and/or be subject to intrusion by roots, causing leakage or blockage in the pipe. Side Sewers which become blocked or clogged can lead to many issues, including:

• Sewage from your home can back-up into pipes and surface through sinks, toilets, bathtubs and other building drains.
• Rain and groundwater that gets into the sanitary sewer system from leaky side sewers can cause overflows of untreated or partially treated wastewater (sewage) into streets, homes, businesses and local waterways.

Buyers are encouraged to ask the current owner if there have been any issues with slow draining plumbing fixtures, sewage backups, or if the Side Sewer has been previously inspected or repaired. The City of Tacoma also tracks permit records for some Tacoma properties. To inquire about records, call 253-591-5760.

Property owners in need of financial assistance to pay for Side Sewer repairs may be eligible for low-interest loans through the City's Sewer Conservation Loan Program. To learn more about that program, CLICK HERE.

For complete information on Side Sewers in the City of Tacoma, CLICK HERE.