The private sanitary sewer lateral is an underground pipe carrying wastes leading from a building to the public sanitary sewer main in the street. 

The property owner is responsible for repairing defects to their private sanitary sewer lateral including the connection to the public sewer main. 

The Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District (MSD) does not fund sewer lateral repairs. 

River City Sewer & Drain is the current approved contractor for providing Sewer Lateral Camera Inspections.

An eligible property approved for repairs are covered at 75% of the lowest bid by a City-approved contractor.

What's covered:

• Excavation
• Piper repair
• Backfilling
• Repair to sidewalks, driveways and streets
• Seeding/straw of disturbed yard

NOT covered:

• Repairs to building drain pipes inside the home, under the basement or foundation or within 1 ft. of the exterior foundation wall .
• Replacement or repair to structures such as  foundations, porches, decks, fences and retaining walls necessary to repair the defective lateral.
• Repair to private underground systems such as irrigation systems, dog fences and security systems.
• Repair to landscaping other than seed and straw.
• Replacement of decorative concrete or pavers.
• Clearing of roots and debris.
• Minor cracks not showing signs of infiltration or leaks.
• Separated pipe joints not showing signs of infiltration or leaks.
• Damage caused by other homeowner construction.
• Exterior clean-out including the riser piping
• Repairs to sewer laterals to new homes identified within 5 years of construction completion.  This includes connections to the public main.

PROGRAM OUTLINE

1.  Homeowner applies on-line at the Kirkwood Public Portal by Clicking Here.  A $400 deposit will be required.
2. City Contractor performs video inspection and submits it to City to determine if there is eligible damage.
3. Upon City authorization to proceed, homeowner obtains 3 bids from City-approved contractors.
4. Homeowner has work performed by contractor submitting lowest bid. Homeowner submits the following:
   • Signed Approval letter from City
   • 3 Bids from City-approved contractors
   • Itemized Invoice from lowest bidder who did repair
   • Lien Waiver 
5. City pays contractor directly 75% of invoice.

Questions?

Contact Phil Smith in the Building Division at (314) 984-6942.

Applicant Eligibility Requirements:

• Residential Property containing 6 or fewer dwelling units
• St Louis County Annual Sewer Lateral Fee $28 (Listed on your property tax)
• Current on City of Kirkwood Utilities

Properties that do not connect to MSD sewer mains or have individual disposal systems such as septic fields and/or are not assessed the annual fee are excluded.

Please click below on the Kirkwood Public Portal link to apply.  You will need to register on the site, then apply for the Sewer Lateral Program Permit.  

Kirkwood Public Portal

Please call us at 314-822-5823 if you have questions.

Or

Email us at bldginspections@kirkwoodmo.org

For Additional Information please click the link to the Brochure

Sewer Lateral Repair Program Brochure