Spoiler: It’s probably you.
It’s a blazing hot Mississippi summer, and your drains start gurgling like a horror movie soundtrack. Next thing you know, your toilet’s bubbling, your tub looks like it’s staging a revolt, and panic sets in.
Who do you call—the city or a plumber? And more importantly, who’s paying for this mess?
This is one of the most common—and least fun—plumbing questions we get at Environment Masters. And lucky for you, we’ve been answering it (and fixing it) for over 60 years.
In this article, we will break down what’s going on underground and who is responsible for what.
Understanding the Underground: From Your Home to the Sewer Main
Here’s how your plumbing connects to the great wide world of wastewater:
- Your Home’s Drainage System: All your water-using appliances send waste down into your lateral line, which is basically the plumbing version of a driveway that connects your house to the street.
- City Sewer Main: This big underground pipe usually runs under the road and collects all your neighborhood’s wastewater.
- Grinder Pumps: In some Madison-area neighborhoods, homes use a grinder pump to push waste uphill (think of it as a garbage disposal for your whole house). Whether you own it or the city does makes a big difference when it breaks.
Who’s Responsible for What?
Homeowner Responsibilities (About 90% of the Time)
Bad news first: You’re usually responsible for everything from your house to the connection point at the city’s main sewer line. That means:
- The lateral line—even the part under your driveway, sidewalk, or prize-winning azaleas
- Fixing clogs, root invasions, and cracked pipes
- Replacing old cast iron pipes that don’t play nice with shifting soil
And yes, it’s still your responsibility even if the pipe runs under a public sidewalk. We don’t make the rules—we just help fix the consequences.
Heads up: Our Mississippi clay is no joke. When it dries out in summer, the ground shifts and settles. That movement is rough on old pipes, especially cast iron.
City Responsibilities
Here’s where the city steps in (and your wallet breathes a little sigh of relief):
- Anything after the tap, where your line connects to the city sewer
- Issues with the main sewer line
- Some grinder pumps (but not all—more on that next)
If the issue’s in their zone, the city handles it. If it’s on your side? Well… that’s where we come in.
Grinder Pump Confusion: Do You Own It? Or Does the City?
Ah, the mystery of the grinder pump. This is where things can get murky—figuratively and literally.
In Madison and Nearby Areas:
- Some neighborhoods have city-owned grinder pumps, which means the city handles maintenance and repairs. Go ahead and send them the bill.
- Other areas have homeowner-owned pumps, which means that funky noise coming from your backyard is your responsibility to fix.
Not sure which camp you fall into? Call your city utility office—or call us. We’re happy to help you figure it out.
Signs of a Sewer Line Problem (and Who to Call First)
Here’s how to tell whether to call a plumber or the city.
You Should Call a Plumber if:
- Water is backing up in more than one fixture (shower + toilet = bad combo)
- Drains are gurgling like they’re haunted
- Your yard smells… let’s say, “ripe”
- There’s a soggy spot in the lawn that wasn’t there yesterday and it hasn’t rained
Call the City if:
- Your neighbors are having the same issue
- You know you have a city-maintained grinder pump that’s on the fritz
- The blockage is clearly beyond your property line
Pro tip: If you’re unsure, we can do a camera inspection. If it turns out the city is at fault, you’ve got visual proof—and most cities won’t charge you for that.
How to Prevent Plumbing Nightmares Before They Happen
We get it—sewer line talk isn’t the most thrilling thing in the world. But trust us: a little prevention now can save you from a very expensive (and very gross) surprise later.
Upgrade Old Pipes
If your home still has cast iron pipes from the disco era, it might be time for a replacement. Modern piping is more flexible and less prone to cracking when the ground shifts.
Get a Sewer Inspection
Camera inspections are quick and painless—and you don’t even have to change out of your house slippers. It’s the best way to catch issues before they turn into full-blown backups.
Know Your Limits
Literally. Find out where your line connects to the city’s, and ask your utility department who owns what. Especially that grinder pump.
So, Who Handles What? Here’s the Bottom Line.
If you’ve noticed gurgling drains, slow flushes, or mystery soggy spots in the yard, don’t wait. Call us today for a quick camera inspection and some honest answers. We’ll help you figure out what’s going on, what’s yours to fix, and what can wait.
At Environment Masters, we’ve helped thousands of Mississippi homeowners navigate these kinds of situations with clarity and confidence. From sewer line inspections to full-on pipe replacements, we’re here to take the hassle out of whatever’s going on underground.
When your plumbing has a problem, knowing where your responsibility ends is half the battle. We’ll take it from there—hassle-free.
Call us at (601) 300-2564 to schedule your plumbing services in Jackson, MS, or one of the surrounding areas!
