Inside the City of Dallas, Public Works runs the sewer system and its own treatment plant, and it handles main-line and service-line backups. When the problem is in the plumbing on your property, a private plumber is the one to fix it. Call the number on this page to be connected with a local plumber in Dallas.
What happens when you call
If the backup might be on the city's side, Dallas Public Works is the first call: its Service Division is at (770) 443-8117, and the city says it handles sewer cleaning, sewer repair and main-line and service-line backups and blockages. When the city's part is clear, or the problem is in your house or yard, a call through this page connects you with an independent plumber who works in Dallas. They'll ask which drains are affected and how long it's been happening, then usually clear the line and camera it to see the defect, the pipe material and the depth.
What affects cost
- Pipe depth and how much of it needs work
- Driveways, landscaping or trees over the line
- Spot repair compared with lining or replacement
- Whether a cleanout is available
- Permits from City of Dallas Community Development, which issues plumbing permits inside city limits, with inspections by Bureau Veritas; outside the city, Paulding County issues permits
Local conditions in Dallas
Dallas is the Paulding County seat, a fast-growing northwest exurb whose population roughly tripled between 2000 and 2020. The median home dates to about 2002, and around 17% were built before 1980. Older houses near the historic courthouse may have cast iron or clay laterals, while the many newer subdivisions mostly have PVC, where settling, joint separation and construction damage are the common issues.
Water service is mixed: the city's own system serves about 2,650 customers within its service area, and Paulding County Water System serves other Dallas-area addresses. Sewer inside the city is handled by Public Works, which also runs a fats, oils and grease program for commercial users. If your home is outside city limits, check your bill to see who provides sewer before calling. Some outlying properties may not be on municipal sewer at all, and a plumber will want to know that before running a camera.
Before the plumber arrives
- Call Public Works first if neighbors are also backing up
- Stop running water in the house
- Locate the cleanout near the foundation
- Note which drain backed up first
- Keep grease and wipes out of every drain
Sewer Line Repair questions in Dallas
Who do I call if the backup might be in the public sewer main?
My mailing address names this town, but I live outside city limits. Who handles my sewer?
Does sewer line work need a permit here?
Can the sewer line under a fairly new house still fail?
More plumbing services in Dallas
Sewer Line Repair nearby
Sources
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