Shared Sewer Line Connection

– https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uVC14TyEwU0&feature=youtu.be (15 feet out)

– https://youtu.be/cso-QqRhdiI (55 feet out)

Clearly, the presence of a nonconforming sewer is a material defect that could lead to large costs to repair or replace the building sewer. This possibility alone makes sewer scopes an important consumer protection in Portland.

Of these, party sewers are most likely to be identified in a sewer scope. Locating sewer lines in relation to property lines and right-of-ways is beyond the scope of a sewer scope. 

If the property is found to be a “host” with the direct connection to a public sewer, the city advises that the property owner:

Conducts a sewer scope and submits a copy to Environmental Services staff

Hire a plumber to make any needed repairs to the building sewer.

If the property is found to be a “guest” joining another property’s direct connection, the city advises that the property owner:

Conduct a sewer scope and submit a copy to Environmental Services staff.

Hire a plumbing contractor to disconnect your building sewer from the host line and connect your property directly to the public sewer line in the right-of-way. Private plumbing costs typically average between $3,000 and $5,000, along with a possible public branch connection fee