Drain and Sewer Questions in York, PA

Pennsylvania American Water acquired the City of York's wastewater system on May 27, 2022. It owns the public mains and the York City treatment plant on Black Bridge Road.

Under Pennsylvania's wastewater rules, the customer's part of the service lateral generally runs from the curb or property line to a point just outside the building. The utility's part runs from there to the main.

If only your house is affected, call a plumber. If the street is backing up or a manhole is overflowing, call Pennsylvania American Water at 1-800-565-7292.

About half the city's homes were built in 1939 or earlier, and the median home dates from 1941. Many still have clay tile or cast iron laterals that crack, root up and corrode with age.

Air is being pushed back up the drain, usually because the main line is partly blocked. It is an early warning before a backup.

It is usually the lowest opening in the house, so when the main line is blocked, water from upstairs fixtures rises there first.

Plumbers generally advise against it, especially in old cast iron and galvanized pipe, and it can be dangerous for whoever opens the line afterwards.

When the main line clogs again within months, when roots come back on the cable, before a repair quote, and before buying an older home.

On sound pipe, yes. On old clay or cast iron, the line should be filmed first so a broken section is not made worse.

Often, with lining or pipe bursting from small access pits. It depends on the pipe's condition, depth and route.

Lateral repairs and replacements usually need a municipal permit and inspection. York City, West York and the surrounding townships each have their own offices.

Providers set their own prices. The cost depends on which line is clogged, access, the cause, whether a camera is needed and the time of the visit. Ask for the price before work starts.