Sewer Lateral Repair Issues

Sewer lateral problems in East Norriton continue…
The sewer lateral is the portion of a sewer line that connects your house to the township’s sewer system. The East Norriton Township determined that the ongoing water management problems in the township were due in large part to defective laterals. The Township initiated a lateral repair project in 2006 mandating that the affected residents make the necessary repairs.


April 29, 2009: DEP ends consent order about sewer lateral problems from Times Herald.  While the problems have been solved in the western part of the township, work continues in neighborhoods to the east.


The inspections and required repairs were completed in three areas in 2008. A map indicating the sub basin areas and other information is at the township website. Thanks to the diligence of ENRO Board Member Nick Viglianese, it was discovered that some of the restoration work (i.e. repaving, sidewalk and curb replacements, reseeding, etc.) was not completed and some of the work that had been done was faulty. This information was brought to the Township’s attention at a recent Supervisor’s meeting and the Township staff was instructed to conduct an inspection.


While lateral repairs have been made in some western areas of the township (some still not yet complete), other township regions are being studied by the engineers and may require homeowners to make repairs. You may have already received a letter from the township. An assessment process began this year in two additional areas in the west and also along the eastern edge of the township in the vicinity of Arch Road.


For more information, be sure to contact the township at 610-275-2800. We encourage you to be AGGRESSIVE and ask questions as to the extent of any repairs suggested. We have found, over and over again, that initial estimates given to homeowners may be too general and may "overstate" (and in some cases "understate") the specific repairs needed. CHALLENGE your initial estimate! Go to the township office and talk to them until you are satisfied you are getting good information (calling may not be enough).


Thanks to…
Former State Representative Jay Moyer for obtaining the $550,000 grant from the State Department of Environmental Protection to help East Norriton residents replace broken and sagging sewer laterals that contributed to sewage overflows. This grant helped cover some of the repair costs for plumbing estimates that ranged between $500 and $8,000 per residence.

Go to the following blog for excellent information and pictures about sewer lateral issues. This may be coming to your neighborhood!!!

East Norriton Blog - click and then choose:

RESIDENTIAL SEWER LATERAL REPAIR topic.