What does Spokane's handbook say about the side sewer?
That the owner maintains it up to where it enters the public sewer. The city's handbook describes the side sewer as the owner's, and requires a permit for installation.
When the clog is on the side sewer, the owner handles it, and sewer line jetting is an option to go over with a pro. A camera inspection shows what is in the line. Call to get information and book your service.
Why does Spokane's weather matter underground?
Because winters are cold enough to push frost into the ground. Frost heave can shift clay or cast iron joints, and thaws bring water against the pipe.
A camera look in early fall shows offsets and roots before the freeze. Tree root removal is one option when roots from older street trees have entered a joint.
Who maintains which part of the line in Spokane?
The handbook divides the work like this; check your own lot with the city.
| Piece of the system | Responsible party | Practical meaning for a backup |
|---|---|---|
| Public sewer main | City of Spokane | Report trouble in the main to the city |
| Side sewer from the building to the point of entry into the public sewer | Property owner | The handbook describes the owner as maintaining it |
| Branch drains inside the house | Owner or occupant | Soap and grease collect here |
What do older Spokane neighborhoods have underground?
Browne's Addition, the Perry District and Hillyard have houses from the early 1900s, often with clay or cast iron side sewers.
A camera inspection shows the visible condition of those lines. Drain jetting handles slow branch drains inside older kitchens and baths.
Which Spokane properties book jetting?
Downtown and South Hill restaurants, Perry District cafes, Gonzaga-area rental houses and Hillyard shops.
Kitchens with heavy grease use commercial grease line jetting; student rental baths usually begin with drain jetting.
Which hydro jetting services can you book in Spokane?
In Spokane all seven services apply, from South Hill houses and Gonzaga-area rentals to downtown kitchens.
- Sewer line jetting on the side sewer from the cleanout toward the public sewer
- Sewer camera inspection inside early-1900s clay and cast iron
- Tree root removal when pine or maple roots reach a joint
- Drain jetting for rental baths and kitchens that crawl
- Commercial grease line jetting for downtown and Perry District kitchens
- Sewer backup help for basement drains that back up
- Storm drain jetting for parking lots and storm catch basins
Neighborhoods and nearby cities
Calls come from across Spokane, including the South Hill, Browne's Addition, the Perry District, Hillyard, Logan, Manito, the Garland District, Indian Trail and Five Mile.
See the Washington page for the state overview. Crews also take calls from Spokane Valley, Liberty Lake, Cheney, Medical Lake and Mead.