My neighbor damaged my lateral service (sewer)

[Steve Woods]

My Lateral Service sewer line has a leak somewhere between my house and the Main Sewer. The Lateral Service goes under my property and then continues under my neighbors property. They have been having some work done on their property and could have damaged the pipe and caused the leak. I am having to hire a company to find the leak. I have been told that even if the service was found to be damaged on their property, by them or their contractor, then it is still my responsibility to find and repair any damage to the service. What can I do?

[Kevin Sobilo]

@Steve Woods, I would first clearly identify the issue and cause. It could be something as simple as tree roots invading and breaking apart the line.

They should be able to locate on the surface where the issue is, so that you can see if its where work was being done on their property and also they should be able to put a camera down the pipe to see what kind of issue there is.

If it was caused by the neighbor or their contractor, I would probably approach them directly at first to discuss but if they were not cooperative my next call would be a lawyer.

The line belongs to you and you should have an easement to repair it where it runs under their property. So, in general you are responsible for repairs, but when someone else causes damage to your property they are liable for that. A contractor should have insurance to reimburse you for example.