The City of Dallas runs its own sewer system and wastewater treatment plant, and Public Works handles sewer cleaning, repairs and backups on main lines and service lines in the city. A sewer line replacement in Dallas is new pipe for the private lateral from your house, typically because a line has failed in several places or lost its slope. Call the number on this page to be connected with a local plumber in Dallas.
What happens when you call
You'll be connected with an independent local plumber who works in Dallas. Because the city's Public Works sewer maintenance division also responds to service-line backups, it's worth asking the city first if you're unsure whether the blockage is yours. Once it's clear the problem is the private lateral, expect a camera inspection to find the material, depth, slope and every defect before a price is given.
Inside city limits, Dallas Community Development issues building permits, including plumbing permits, with inspections handled by Bureau Veritas; the first-time online application help and inspection line is 770-443-8110 ext. 1203. Outside the city, Paulding County issues permits instead.
What affects the cost
- Distance and depth to the city sewer
- Whether the old line can be burst or lined
- Driveways, trees and landscaping on the route
- Interior drain pipe in similar condition
- City or county permit, depending on location
Local conditions in Dallas
Dallas is Paulding County's seat and one of the faster-growing northwest exurbs; its population roughly tripled between 2000 and 2020. The median home dates to 2002 and about 16.6% predate 1980, according to ACS 2019-2023 estimates. Newer homes usually have plastic laterals that fail from settling or later digging. Older houses around the historic courthouse are likelier to have clay or cast iron.
The city also runs a commercial fats, oils and grease program for its sewer. Homes matter too: grease poured down a kitchen sink cools and coats the inside of a lateral, catching debris until the line narrows. Water service is split by address between the City of Dallas and Paulding County Water System, so your water bill isn't always a guide to who handles your sewer. For Public Works service, call (770) 443-8117.
Before the plumber arrives
- Limit water use
- Find and expose the cleanout
- Note which drains back up first
- Keep records of earlier cleanings
- Clear cars and stored items off the likely route
If you're not sure whether your address is inside city limits, check before the plumber files anything; it decides both the permit office and, often, who to call about the street side.
Sewer Line Replacement questions in Dallas
When sewage backs up, should I call the utility or a plumber first?
My mailing address names this city, but I live outside its limits. What changes?
How much harm does kitchen grease do to a sewer line?
Why does the plumber want a camera inspection before quoting?
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