Side Sewer Contractor: Everything You Need To Know

As a registered side sewer contractor serving the city of Seattle and surrounding areas, Bob Oates Sewer & Rooter has offered comprehensive and cost-effective sewer repair solutions for our friends and neighbors in the community for over 30 years.

In this post, we’ll answer questions about what a side sewer is as well as share details on what a side sewer contractor does to keep your pipes flowing smoothly. After reading, you’ll know exactly what to expect when entrusting the professionals with your side sewer repair needs.

Let’s get to it!

What Is a Side Sewer?

A side sewer is a privately owned and maintained pipe designed to carry drainage water or waste water from a plumbing outlet or other approved facility from a building or structure. The side sewer pipe carries this water to the public sewer system located in the public right-of-way (ROW) or other approved discharge point.

Do I Need To Hire a Registered Side Sewer Contractor (RSSC) for My Project?

A registered side sewer contractor (RSSC) is required when working in the public right-of-way. (Work on private property can be done by anyone — however — you should always make sure any contractor you’re about to hire is verified by the Department of Labor & Industries in Washington State. Very important!)

When hiring a professional, it is recommended that the contractor has done this type of work recently in the city of Seattle and neighboring communities. Side sewer regulations differ greatly in regional jurisdictions and according to local plumbing and side sewer codes.

When Is a Side Sewer Permit Required?

A side sewer permit is required any time you install, repair or replace sewer or storm pipe that discharges to the public system. The property owner or registered side sewer contractor is required to obtain a City of Seattle permit to repair the side sewer.

Once the job is complete, a city site inspector will inspect the repaired line to validate that the work was performed according to code.

How We Do Things at Bob Oates Sewer & Rooter

Bob Oates is the trusted provider for professional sewer repair in Seattle and all surrounding communities. From Tacoma to Everett, across to Bellevue and Redmond and down to our friends in Renton and Kent, we’re known for our integrity, our extensive industry experience across the PNW, and our motto: “People helping people.”

Our commitment to superior customer service and high-quality workmanship establishes us as a reliable choice for all sewer-related needs. As a registered side sewer contractor, we offer numerous benefits, including immediate availability for any sewer or plumbing emergencies.

Let’s briefly walk through what’s involved with maintaining, cleaning, and, if needed, repairing a side sewer line.

Side Sewer Maintenance and Cleaning

Each service begins with a detailed sewer camera inspection to identify blockages, damage, or any signs of cracked pipes, particularly under streets where issues are common. This thorough inspection helps our experts decide the best cleaning or repair method to quickly and affordably restore your sewer system.

Our sewer pipeline restoration is optimized by combining it with our thorough cleaning procedures. We utilize large blades to tackle tree roots in pipes and employ hydro jetting technology to efficiently clear any obstructions.

Hydro jetting involves high-pressure water jets that cleanse the sewer pipes thoroughly by eradicating debris and buildup without damaging the pipeline, thus preparing it for any subsequent repairs.

The intense water pressure not only cleans but ensures the pipeline’s integrity, setting a solid foundation for any necessary maintenance work. Following the cleaning, a detailed sewer camera inspection again re-evaluates the pipe to identify any lingering or potential issues.

Side Sewer Repair or Replacement

Should our technicians identify any structural issues such as pipe misalignment, breaks, or significant damage, we recommend one of our trenchless sewer pipe repair solutions. These methods significantly reduce the need for excavation, allowing for internal repairs that are less invasive and more efficient.

If the repair or replacement includes work in the public right-of-way like we detailed above, a permit from the City of Seattle (or applicable jurisdiction) will be required, which we can assist in obtaining.

Advantages of Choosing Bob Oates for All Your Sewer Repair Needs

Here a few more reasons to consider working with our techs here at Bob Oates:

With 30+ years of Experience, We Understand the Essential Functions of Sewer Pipes

• Sewer pipes are critical as they manage waste disposal; blockages can lead to significant waste control issues.
• Problems with sewer pipes can cause plumbing fixtures to back up, exposing your home to unsanitary conditions and other complications.
• Minor issues like drain clogs can become severe, potentially leading to a need for extensive repairs or even full replacements if not addressed promptly.

Urgency in Sewer Maintenance and the Need for Professional Sewer Repair

• Sewer pipe repair is not suitable for DIY due to strict local codes and regulations.
• It is vital to hire a licensed plumber and registered side sewer contractor for repairs or replacements to avoid penalties and ensure high-quality workmanship.
• Sewer infrastructure deteriorates over time, especially concrete pipes which may crumble after about 50 years.

Maintaining Normal Business Operations

• Sewer problems in commercial settings can lead to operational shutdowns, resulting in significant financial loss and dissatisfaction among customers and employees.
• Regular cleaning and timely repairs are crucial to maintain a safe home or business environment.
• Preventive maintenance and, when necessary, emergency sewer repair services are essential to avoid disruptions and maintain business continuity.

Wrapping Up

We hope you’ve found this “deep dive” (not literally!) into the world of side sewers informative and a trusted resource for maintaining a healthy sewer system. Side sewer contractors play an invaluable role in keeping all the pipes in our plumbing and sewer systems flowing like clockwork.

At Bob Oates, we’re here for you with answers to any additional questions you may have. As your trusted Seattle plumber, we offer a complete range of drain cleaning services alongside our comprehensive sewer repair and trenchless sewer pipe repair and pipe relining service offerings.

Give us a call or reach out via our contact page anytime!