Who Pays for Your Sewer Line in Edmonton: EPCOR or You?

In Edmonton, you pay for the sewer line on your property, from your house to the property line, including the backwater valve. EPCOR is responsible from the property line to the main. EPCOR won’t reimburse plumbers’ fees, and a basic homeowner’s insurance policy typically won’t cover repairs to your line. Many homeowners only learn this during their first backup.

The dividing line

What “your responsibility” covers

• Maintaining and repairing the sewer line on your property.
• The backwater valve, if you have one.
• Clearing roots and blockages in your section. Tree roots can grow into sewer service lines and cause backups.

What EPCOR covers

• The section from your property line to the main.
• The main itself.

If your neighbours are backing up too, the problem may be in the main. Call EPCOR before paying a plumber, because EPCOR will not reimburse plumbers’ fees.

Insurance

Repairs to service lines on your property aren’t typically covered by a basic homeowner’s insurance policy. Ask your broker:

• Do I have any coverage for my sewer service line?
• Is there an add-on for service line repair?
• Do I have sewer backup coverage for damage inside the house?
• Do you require a backwater valve?

What to do with this

1. Know your line. A camera inspection shows its condition.
2. Budget for it if your home is older. Most Edmonton homes built before the early 1980s have clay tile sewers.
3. Consider a backwater valve. EPCOR subsidizes up to $800 for eligible homes. See the subsidy guide.

This is general information. EPCOR’s own pages are the final word on responsibilities.