What does Tacoma say the owner maintains?
The whole side sewer, from the building to the city main. The city maintains the main, including the tees, wyes and risers at the main.
Trouble anywhere on the owner's run is the owner's to fix, and sewer line jetting is one option to discuss with a pro. A camera inspection lets you see roots, cracks or debris on camera. Call to get information about the service and set up a visit.
Why does Tacoma's rain and hills matter underground?
Because steep streets and wet winters put water and grade against old lateral joints. Parts of the city sit on glacial soil that holds water.
Roots from large evergreens and street trees reach joints in many blocks, handled by tree root removal. A camera look after a wet spell shows sags, offsets or buildup.
Who maintains which part of the line in Tacoma?
Here is how Tacoma's pages divide the system; your lot may differ, so ask the city.
| Part of the line | Who maintains it | What it means when a line clogs |
|---|---|---|
| City main, including tees, wyes and risers at the main | City of Tacoma | Report trouble in the main to Environmental Services |
| Side sewer from the building to the main | Property owner | Maintaining it is the owner's job; right-of-way work needs a qualified Tacoma contractor |
| Branch drains inside the house | Owner or occupant | Soap and grease collect here |
What do Tacoma's older neighborhoods have underground?
Old Town, the Stadium District, Hilltop and the North End have houses from the late 1800s and early 1900s, often with older clay or cast iron side sewers.
The city's recommendation to inspect older buildings fits these blocks, and a camera inspection is a way to do it. Drain jetting cleans branch lines inside the house.
Which Tacoma properties book jetting?
Proctor and 6th Avenue restaurants, Old Town cafes, apartment buildings near the University of Puget Sound and Port-area shops.
Commercial kitchens fit commercial grease line jetting, and rental and shop drains are usually matched with drain jetting.
Which hydro jetting services can you book in Tacoma?
Tacoma owners can call about any service here; Stadium District homes, Hilltop rentals and restaurant kitchens all come up.
- Sewer line jetting on the side sewer between the cleanout and the city main
- Sewer camera inspection inside late-1800s clay and cast iron
- Tree root removal after evergreen or street-tree roots reach a joint
- Drain jetting for rental baths and kitchens that crawl
- Commercial grease line jetting for Proctor and 6th Avenue kitchens
- Sewer backup help for basement drains that back up in wet weather
- Storm drain jetting for port-area lots and storm drains
Neighborhoods and nearby cities
Calls come from across Tacoma, including Proctor, the Stadium District, Hilltop, Old Town, the North End, the Lincoln District, South Tacoma and the Dome District.
See the Washington page for the state overview. Seattle is a neighbor, and crews also take calls from Lakewood, University Place, Puyallup, Fife and Federal Way.