Service Laterals

When a residence is built, a segment of pipe (a 'service lateral') is laid to connect the residence's wastewater products--toilets, showers, sinks--to the sanitary sewer system. Driveway drains, stairwell drains, foundation drains and sump pumps should not be connected to this service lateral, as these carry stormwater and not wastewater. However, it is frequently the case that when a house is built, these drains are routed into the service lateral. These drains may also be routed to a building's sump pump, and instead of discharging the stormwater onto the ground, the sump pump discharges the stormwater into the service lateral. These types of defects are very common methods for wastewater and gas to find a way into the residence.