Sanitary Sewer Repair Assistance

Sanitary service line repair and backup can be a very difficult problem to manage, which is why the City of Fargo has developed an assistance program to help you resolve your problem.

An outline of repairs eligible and not eligible for city assistance is found here Sanitary Sewer Repair Assistance

The first thing that needs to be addressed when you as a homeowner experience sewer problems is: who is responsible? Many homeowners are not aware that they are responsible for the sanitary sewer service line from their house to the main sewer, which is usually located under the center of the city street. What this means is any cleaning or repairs that need to be done to the service line are the homeowner's responsibility.

If you experience a sewer backup, the Fargo Street Department will provide assistance to you and/or your plumber to verify that the main sewer line located under the street is not obstructed. If you find that your sewer service line has collapsed within the city street right-of-way, the City of Fargo may provide some monetary assistance in the repair.

Fargo's sewer assistance policy states that if the homeowner elects to replace all of the sanitary sewer service line located under the city street right-of-way, the city will provide assistance based on the following formula:

The city will pay 1/2 of the first $4,000 of the repair and 25% of the remaining dollar amount on qualified repairs at non-rental private homes.
The homeowner is responsible for the remainder of the replacement cost not covered by the city.
New installations, as well as commercial, industrial and rental properties, do not qualify for this program.
A licensed plumber or excavator must coordinate the repair with the city plumbing inspector, who will verify that the repair was done and that it qualifies for assistance.

Homeowners are encouraged to obtain several estimates to ensure they get competitive pricing.

In order to receive reimbursement from the city, copies of the work receipts need to be submitted to the Fargo Auditor's office in City Hall.

For additional information, contact the City Plumbing Inspector at 701.241.1560