Only Utilities staff can operate the curb stop, which is a valve near your property line that turns off water to the entire house. Utilities' Leak Detection Program staff "listen" to the City's water lines and service connections with electronic leak-detection equipment. The Leak Detection staff routinely survey the lines for maintenance and water conservation.

Utilities responsibilities:

• Repairs to water service line from water main to curb stop
• Paying all repair costs

Homeowner responsibilities:

• Repairs to water service line between curb stop and the house
• Paying all repair associated costs (NOTE: Interest-free loans may be available for repairs)

Utilities responsibilities:

• Clean blockages from City's main sewer line
• Pay for janitorial service to clean homeowner's basement, crawl space or affected area if the blockage is in the main sewer line (Blockages between the house and sewer main are the homeowner's responsibility.)

Homeowner responsibilities:

• Own and maintain sewer service pipe between the house and the sewer main (located in the street)
• Contact Utilities if sewage backs into your basement or crawl space so Utilities can determine if the problem lies in the City's main sewage line and remove the blockage
• Pay for all cleanup or repair expenses, including repairing damage to the street or driveway, if the blockage is between the house and sewer main (Call a plumber to clean out roots or grease accumulation and fix structural problems, all of which can plug sewer lines.)