St. Louis sewer lateral repair programs, city by city

• If a majority of voters approve, a city, town, village, or a county on behalf of its unincorporated area can adopt the lateral repair fee. “If approved by a majority of the voters voting on the proposal, any city, town, village or county on behalf of the unincorporated area” (RSMo §249.422, checked 2026-09-23)
• The ballot caps the annual charge for properties of six or fewer dwelling units. “Shall a maximum charge not to exceed fifty dollars be assessed annually on residential property for each lateral sewer service line serving six or less dwelling units on that property and condominiums that have six or less condominium units per building and any condominium responsible for its own individual lateral sewer line” (RSMo §249.422, checked 2026-09-23)
• The fees go to a special account used only for lateral repairs. “The funds collected pursuant to such ordinance shall be deposited in a special account to be used solely for the purpose of paying for all or a portion of the costs reasonably associated with and necessary to administer and carry out the defective lateral sewer service line repairs.” (RSMo §249.422, checked 2026-09-23)

• The whole lateral from the house to the MSD main is private property. “The entire sewer lateral line from your home to the MSD main is private property.” (City of St. Louis, Sewer Lateral Repair Program, checked 2026-09-23)
• The city's program was created to help homeowners with the cost of repairs under the public right-of-way section of the line. “However, the City's Sewer Lateral Repair Program (SLRP) was created to assist homeowners with the cost of repairs under the public right of way section of the line.” (City of St. Louis, Sewer Lateral Repair Program, checked 2026-09-23)
• A break under private property is the owner's alone and is not eligible. “Cave-ins location - If the break is under private property (and not under the right-of-way), repairs are the complete responsibility of the homeowner and not eligible for the Sewer Lateral Repair Program (SLRP).” (City of St. Louis, Sewer Lateral Repair Program, checked 2026-09-23)
• Owners of residential property with six or fewer units pay the program fee on their property taxes. “All owners of residential property with 6 or fewer units pay a $28 fee on their real estate property taxes.” (City of St. Louis, Sewer Lateral Repair Program, checked 2026-09-23)
• Properties with unpaid real estate taxes are not eligible until those are paid. “Only properties of 6 units or less that have fully paid their real estate taxes are eligible.” (City of St. Louis, Sewer Lateral Repair Program, checked 2026-09-23)

• Unincorporated St. Louis County voters started the lateral assistance program in 1999. “In 1999, unincorporated St. Louis County citizens voted to start an assistance program to help residents recover from a failed sewer lateral.” (St. Louis County, Residential Sewer Lateral Repair, checked 2026-09-23)
• The tax proceeds go to a dedicated fund for lateral repairs in unincorporated St. Louis County and some municipalities. “Tax proceeds are sent to a dedicated fund for residential sewer lateral repairs in unincorporated St. Louis County and some municipalities” (St. Louis County, Residential Sewer Lateral Repair, checked 2026-09-23)
• The homeowner first hires a licensed plumber or drain layer to clear the blockage and diagnose whether repairs are needed. “The homeowner is responsible for hiring a licensed plumber or licensed drain layer to clear any blockage in the sewer lateral and diagnose if repairs are necessary” (St. Louis County, Residential Sewer Lateral Repair, checked 2026-09-23)
• The county arranges the repair at no additional cost to the homeowner once repairs are found necessary and the application is submitted. “If repairs are determined to be necessary, the homeowner submits a "Residential Sewer Lateral Repair Application" and St. Louis County will arrange for the repair to be completed at no additional cost to the homeowner” (St. Louis County, Residential Sewer Lateral Repair, checked 2026-09-23)
• The application must include a certification from the master plumber or drain layer who found the repair necessary. “Submit the “MASTER PLUMBER/DRAINLAYER CERTIFICATION”, completed by the Master Plumber/Drainlayer who certified the need for a sewer lateral repair, with the Sewer Lateral Repair Application.” (St. Louis County, Residential Sewer Lateral Repair, checked 2026-09-23)
• If the lateral crosses a neighbor's yard, the neighbor may have to sign consent for access. “If the sewer lateral line crosses over into a neighbor’s yard, the neighbor may be required to sign an application giving consent for access to their property.” (St. Louis County, Residential Sewer Lateral Repair, checked 2026-09-23)
• The county describes its program as having no application fee and no cap on repair cost repayment. “The County's program stands out as the more budget-friendly option since it doesn't have any application fees and allows unlimited service cost repayment.” (St. Louis County, Manchester annexation: Sewer Lateral Program, checked 2026-09-23)

• The program applies only to residential buildings of up to six units. “The Sanitary Sewer Lateral Repair Program applies only to residential buildings of up to six (6) units.” (University City, Sanitary Sewer Lateral Repair Program, checked 2026-09-23)
• The city's program pays the first $2,500 of the cost of repairing the lateral. “The City’s Sanitary Sewer Lateral Repair Program will pay the first $2,500 of the cost of the repair of the sanitary sewer lateral line.” (University City, Sanitary Sewer Lateral Repair Program, checked 2026-09-23)
• Pipes inside or under the house are not covered. “Damaged or blocked pipes located inside/under your home are not covered under this program.” (University City, Sanitary Sewer Lateral Repair Program, checked 2026-09-23)

• An owner with a lateral problem must first have a plumbing or drain company cable the line. “An owner experiencing a problem with the lateral sewer service line must first contact a plumbing company or a drain and sewer cleaning company to have the line cabled.” (City of Webster Groves, Sewer Lateral Program, checked 2026-09-23)
• The cost of that cabling is not included in the program. “As a common home maintenance expense, the cost of this cabling is not included in the Residential Sanitary Sewer Lateral Repair Program.” (City of Webster Groves, Sewer Lateral Program, checked 2026-09-23)
• The owner may obtain 3 bids for the repair, and the city can provide a list of contractors. “At this point, you may obtain 3 bids for repair (a list of contractors can be provided upon request).” (City of Webster Groves, Sewer Lateral Program, checked 2026-09-23)
• The city pays 80% of the lowest bid. “Please be aware that the City will only pay 80% of the cost per the lowest bid.” (City of Webster Groves, Sewer Lateral Program, checked 2026-09-23)
• The program has a participation cap, with a higher cap when the repair is in the street. “The Program’s maximum participation is $3,500, and up to $8,000 if the repair is in the street.” (City of Webster Groves, Sewer Lateral Program, checked 2026-09-23)
• If the TV inspection doesn't show a defect, the owner pays the city's diagnostic contractor. “Please be aware that if the television inspection fails to demonstrate that the line is defective, the homeowner would be responsible for payment of the City’s diagnostic contractor.” (City of Webster Groves, Sewer Lateral Program, checked 2026-09-23)

• Residential properties of six units or fewer are eligible. “Residential properties of six units or fewer are eligible.” (City of Maplewood, Sewer Lateral Repair Program, checked 2026-09-23)
• Coverage runs from the main in the street or alley to four feet outside the building. “The program covers replacing defective pipe from the sewer main line in the street or alley to four feet (4') outside the building structure (which includes front porches, decks, steps, and detached garages).” (City of Maplewood, Sewer Lateral Repair Program, checked 2026-09-23)
• The owner pays an initial offset plus 30% of the project cost. “Property owners are responsible for an initial offset payment of $325 and 30% of the total project cost.” (City of Maplewood, Sewer Lateral Repair Program, checked 2026-09-23)
• The city's contribution is capped, with a higher cap when street slab or concrete steps must be replaced. “The maximum City contribution is $5,000 for standard repairs and $8,000 for repairs requiring street slab and/or concrete step replacement.” (City of Maplewood, Sewer Lateral Repair Program, checked 2026-09-23)
• Cabling, root removal and hydro flushing are not covered. “The program also does not cover the cost of cleaning by cabling, removal of tree roots or debris, or hydro flushing.” (City of Maplewood, Sewer Lateral Repair Program, checked 2026-09-23)

• The per-job cap is $4,500, raised from $3,000 because material and labor costs rose. “As a result of increased costs for materials and labor, the Board of Aldermen has increased the cap for each job to $4500 from $3000.” (City of Ballwin, Sewer Lateral Repair Program, checked 2026-09-23)
• Special circumstances such as deep excavation or street cuts can qualify for a higher reimbursement. “In addition, the City may reimburse up to $7,500 if it involves special circumstances such as deep excavation, street cutting and repair or other circumstances approved by the City Administrator or his designee.” (City of Ballwin, Sewer Lateral Repair Program, checked 2026-09-23)
• The building sewer, which is located under the house, is not covered by the program. “The building sewer is located under your house and is not covered by the program.” (City of Ballwin, Sewer Lateral Repair Program, checked 2026-09-23)
• Defects found in a buyer's pre-purchase inspection, with no qualifying history, are not covered. “The buyer has a lateral inspection completed and notes defects with no history of meeting the above criteria. These repairs are not covered under our program.” (City of Ballwin, Sewer Lateral Repair Program, checked 2026-09-23)

• If eligible, the cost of the camera work is reimbursed to the owner at 90%. “If eligible, cost of the camera work is reimbursed at 90% to the property owner.” (City of Hazelwood, Sewer Lateral Program, checked 2026-09-23)
• If eligible, the city pays 90% of the lowest bid, less the excavation permit fee, to the contractor the owner selected. “If eligible, the City will pay 90% of the lowest bid for the corrective sewer lateral repair work, less $30 for the excavation permit, to the Contractor selected by the property owner.” (City of Hazelwood, Sewer Lateral Program, checked 2026-09-23)
• The city's contribution has a maximum. “The maximum City contribution shall be $7,500.00.” (City of Hazelwood, Sewer Lateral Program, checked 2026-09-23)
• The owner submits three written bids from St. Louis County licensed plumbers or drain layers. “Three (3) written bids from St. Louis County licensed plumbers/drain layers to repair or replace the failed portion of the sewer lateral line” (City of Hazelwood, Sewer Lateral Program, checked 2026-09-23)
• Routine maintenance such as root blockage or grease buildup is not covered. “The Sewer Lateral Program does not cover sewer lateral line maintenance (root blockage/infiltration, grease buildup, etc.).” (City of Hazelwood, Sewer Lateral Program, checked 2026-09-23)

• Coverage runs from the main sewer to within five feet of the foundation. “The portion of the residential sewer lateral that is covered under this program runs from the main sewer line up to within five feet of the home's foundation.” (City of Florissant, Sewer Lateral Insurance Program, checked 2026-09-23)
• Homeowners pay an annual fee on the real estate tax bill. “Under this program, homeowners pay a $50 annual fee, which is included on the real estate property tax bills issued to homeowners each year.” (City of Florissant, Sewer Lateral Insurance Program, checked 2026-09-23)
• If the city finds the lateral defective, the city's crew excavates and repairs it. “If the City determines the lateral is defective, arrangements will be made for the City's crew to excavate the area to repair the sewer lateral.” (City of Florissant, Sewer Lateral Insurance Program, checked 2026-09-23)
• The program is not meant to satisfy a home sale contingency. “The area with blockage is under the home, or within 5 feet of the home foundation Small defects or hairline cracks The line is open and in serviceable condition This program is not intended to satisfy a home sale contingency.” (City of Florissant, Sewer Lateral Insurance Program, checked 2026-09-23)

• Covered: the lateral from MSD's main to within five feet of the dwelling. “The portion of the sewer lateral that is covered under this program is the portion that runs from the Metropolitan St. Louis District's (MSD) main sewer line up to with five feet of the residential dwelling unit, including decks, porches and attached structures.” (City of Richmond Heights, Sewer Lateral Repair Program, checked 2026-09-23)
• Each property can use the program once in a 10-year period. “Effective June 1, 2025, each property is eligible to participate in the program once in a 10 year period.” (City of Richmond Heights, Sewer Lateral Repair Program, checked 2026-09-23)
• Costs above the program cap are the owner's. “Any costs associated with a sewer lateral repair over $2,500, shall be the responsibility of the property owner.” (City of Richmond Heights, Sewer Lateral Repair Program, checked 2026-09-23)
• Once approved, the homeowner hires a qualified, licensed lateral contractor. “Once a repair has been approved to be completed under the sewer lateral program, the homeowner shall hire a qualified and licensed sewer lateral contractor to make the repairs.” (City of Richmond Heights, Sewer Lateral Repair Program, checked 2026-09-23)

• The owner is responsible for repairing defects in the private lateral, including the connection to the public main. “The property owner is responsible for repairing defects to their private sanitary sewer lateral including the connection to the public sewer main.” (City of Kirkwood, Sewer Lateral Program, checked 2026-09-23)
• MSD does not fund sewer lateral repairs. “The Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District (MSD) does not fund sewer lateral repairs.” (City of Kirkwood, Sewer Lateral Program, checked 2026-09-23)
• An approved repair is covered at 75% of the lowest bid from a city-approved contractor. “An eligible property approved for repairs are covered at 75% of the lowest bid by a City-approved contractor.” (City of Kirkwood, Sewer Lateral Program, checked 2026-09-23)
• Building drain pipes inside the home, under the basement or foundation, or within 1 foot of the foundation wall are not covered. “NOT covered: Repairs to building drain pipes inside the home, under the basement or foundation or within 1 ft. of the exterior foundation wall .” (City of Kirkwood, Sewer Lateral Program, checked 2026-09-23)
• The online application requires a deposit. “A $400 deposit will be required.” (City of Kirkwood, Sewer Lateral Program, checked 2026-09-23)
• A city contractor performs the video inspection and the city decides whether the damage is eligible. “City Contractor performs video inspection and submits it to City to determine if there is eligible damage.” (City of Kirkwood, Sewer Lateral Program, checked 2026-09-23)
• After the city authorizes the work, the homeowner gets 3 bids from city-approved contractors. “Upon City authorization to proceed, homeowner obtains 3 bids from City-approved contractors.” (City of Kirkwood, Sewer Lateral Program, checked 2026-09-23)

• The sewer lateral is owned by the homeowner; the city calls it private property and part of the house. “The sewer lateral is owned by the homeowner. It is private property and considered part of the house.” (City of Chesterfield, Residential Sanitary Sewer Lateral Repair Program, checked 2026-09-23)
• Voters approved the annual fee on April 4, 2000, for residential buildings with six or fewer units. “On April 4, 2000, a majority of the registered voters of the City of Chesterfield voted their approval for an annual fee of $28 to pay the cost of certain repairs of defective sewer laterals for all residential buildings having six or fewer units.” (City of Chesterfield, Residential Sanitary Sewer Lateral Repair Program, checked 2026-09-23)
• The program covers certain repairs up to a maximum of $15,000. “The program will cover the cost of certain repairs up to a maximum of $15,000.” (City of Chesterfield, Residential Sanitary Sewer Lateral Repair Program, checked 2026-09-23)
• Costs above that maximum are the owner's. “Any costs in excess of this amount will be the responsibility of the property owner.” (City of Chesterfield, Residential Sanitary Sewer Lateral Repair Program, checked 2026-09-23)
• A non-refundable application fee applies to any repair under the program. “A non-refundable application fee of $200 shall apply to the cost of any repair undertaken in conjunction with this program.” (City of Chesterfield, Residential Sanitary Sewer Lateral Repair Program, checked 2026-09-23)
• The cost of first cabling the line is not reimbursed by the city. “As a common home maintenance expense, the cost of this cabling is not reimbursable by the City.” (City of Chesterfield, Residential Sanitary Sewer Lateral Repair Program, checked 2026-09-23)

• The city currently pays 100% of an approved lateral repair, including the video. “Currently, the City will absorb 100% of the sewer lateral repair cost, including the cost for the videotaping link.” (City of Ferguson, Sewer Lateral Program, checked 2026-09-23)
• Guidelines can change within the limits of available funds. “Program guidelines may be changed by the City Council to give the best possible benefit to the residents within the limits of the funds available.” (City of Ferguson, Sewer Lateral Program, checked 2026-09-23)

• Bridgeton charges residential property with six or fewer dwelling units a $28 annual fee for lateral repairs. “The City does hereby levy and impose on all residential property having six (6) or less dwelling units a fee of seven dollars ($7.00) per calendar quarter, totaling twenty-eight dollars ($28.00) per year, to provide funds for the repair of defective lateral sewer service lines on residential property having six (6) or less dwelling units.” (Bridgeton City Code, Ch. 121, checked 2026-10-03)
• The city pays approved repair costs up to $10,000, plus 50% of approved costs between $10,000 and $20,000, in any one calendar year, paid directly to the owner's contractor. “the City shall reimburse owners of residential property by payment directly to such property owner's contractor pursuant to Section 121.080 below, for approved sewer lateral repair costs of up to ten thousand dollars ($10,000.00), and for fifty percent (50%) of approved sewer lateral repair costs between ten thousand dollars ($10,000.00) and twenty thousand dollars ($20,000.00), in any one (1) calendar year” (Bridgeton City Code, Ch. 121, checked 2026-10-03)
• An owner with a blockage must first have the lateral cleaned at their own expense, which is not reimbursed. “An owner experiencing blockage must first have the lateral cleaned at the owner's expense, which is not reimbursable by the City.” (Bridgeton City Code, Ch. 121, checked 2026-10-03)
• Repairs over $1,500 need at least three written quotes, and reimbursement is based on the lowest qualified quote. “Repairs that exceed one thousand five hundred dollars ($1,500.00) will require at least three (3) written price quotes or estimates to be furnished to the office of the Administrator, and the reimbursement will be based on the lowest qualified price quote.” (Bridgeton City Code, Ch. 121, checked 2026-10-03)
• Repairs must be done by a drain layer licensed and in good standing with St. Louis County Public Works. “Repairs to the affected sewer lateral line must be performed by a licensed drain layer who is registered with and in good standing with the Public Works Department of St. Louis County, Missouri.” (City of Bridgeton, Sewer Lateral Repair Program, checked 2026-10-03)

• The program is funded by a $28 fee approved by Des Peres voters. “This program is funded by a $28 fee that was approved by the voters of the City of Des Peres.” (City of Des Peres, Sanitary Sewer Lateral Program, checked 2026-10-03)
• The homeowner pays for the cleaning service call. “The homeowner is responsible for the cost of this service call.” (City of Des Peres, Sanitary Sewer Lateral Program, checked 2026-10-03)
• Applying requires a $250 application fee. “A $250.00 application fee is required.” (City of Des Peres, Sanitary Sewer Lateral Program, checked 2026-10-03)
• If the city's video shows damage, the city's repair contractor fixes the line and the homeowner does not need bids. “If the video shows damage, our repair contractor will repair the line. The homeowner does not need to get bids for the repair.” (City of Des Peres, Sanitary Sewer Lateral Program, checked 2026-10-03)
• Expenses under $7,500 are paid by the city; costs beyond that are the homeowner's. “Expenses less than $7,500 will be paid by the City. All costs thereafter are the homeowner's responsibility.” (City of Des Peres, Sanitary Sewer Lateral Program, checked 2026-10-03)
• Lines that are substantially solid with a few roots are not replaced; cabling them is the homeowner's job. “Substantially solid sewer lines that merely have a few roots in them will not be replaced. Cabling of such lines is the homeowner’s responsibility.” (City of Des Peres, Sanitary Sewer Lateral Program, checked 2026-10-03)

• Crestwood's program dates from 1999 and pays 100% of authorized costs up to $10,000; above that the owner pays 50%. “The program was established in 1999 and is funded by a $28 annual assessment paid by property owners. For eligible repairs, the program covers 100% of authorized costs up to $10,000. Property owners are responsible for 50% of authorized repair costs above $10,000.” (City of Crestwood, Sewer Lateral Program, checked 2026-10-03)
• Coverage runs from 5 feet outside the foundation to the sewer main in the right-of-way or easement. “The program covers repairs to the portion of the sanitary sewer lateral extending from 5 feet outside the home's foundation to the sewer main in the street right-of-way or sewer easement.” (City of Crestwood, Sewer Lateral Program, checked 2026-10-03)
• Routine maintenance and cleaning are not covered. “What is Not Covered Routine maintenance and cleaning” (City of Crestwood, Sewer Lateral Program, checked 2026-10-03)
• If the lateral is eligible, the city coordinates the repair. “If the sewer lateral is eligible for repair through the program, the City will coordinate the repair of the defective portion of the sanitary sewer lateral.” (City of Crestwood, Sewer Lateral Program, checked 2026-10-03)

• Before applying, the owner must have the line cabled and submit the recording link, a written scope, three bids and proof of paid real estate taxes. “Note that prior to applying you will need to have the line cabled and submit the link to the recording, written scope of the work needed, three (3) competitive bids, and proof of paid real estate taxes with the online application.” (City of Rock Hill, Sewer Lateral Program, checked 2026-10-03)
• Commercial, industrial and multi-family buildings are not eligible. “This service is not available to commercial or industrial property or multi-family buildings.” (City of Rock Hill, Sewer Lateral Program, checked 2026-10-03)
• The program is not intended to satisfy a home sale contingency. “This program IS NOT intended to satisfy a home sale contingency.” (City of Rock Hill, Sewer Lateral Program, checked 2026-10-03)
• Tree root removal is not covered. “The program will not cover the costs to remove tree roots.” (City of Rock Hill, Sewer Lateral Program, checked 2026-10-03)
• The city will only pay $2,000 of the lowest bid. “Please be aware that the City will only pay $2,000 of the cost of the lowest bid.” (City of Rock Hill, Sewer Lateral Program, checked 2026-10-03)

• Manchester says its program is not a reimbursement program. “This is not a reimbursement program.” (City of Manchester, Sewer Lateral Repair Program, checked 2026-10-03)
• Owners of a single family home are assessed $50 a year on the tax bill. “Each owner of a single family home shall be assessed $50 per year on their annual general tax levy bill.” (City of Manchester, Sewer Lateral Repair Program, checked 2026-10-03)
• A $400 application fee must accompany the application. “A $400 application fee must be submitted with the application.” (City of Manchester, Sewer Lateral Repair Program, checked 2026-10-03)
• After approval, the city's repair program contractor camera-inspects the lateral. “Upon approval of application, the City will arrange for the repair program plumbing contractor to camera inspect the sewer lateral to determine the cause and location of the problem.” (City of Manchester, Sewer Lateral Repair Program, checked 2026-10-03)
• Costs related to a repair and for the repair itself are covered up to $10,000; anything above is the owner's. “Costs related to a repair and for the repair itself are covered up to a maximum expenditure limit of $10,000. Any amount exceeding the $10,000 expenditure limit, while rare, will be the responsibility of the property owner.” (City of Manchester, Sewer Lateral Repair Program, checked 2026-10-03)
• The application goes in with a paid receipt of the prior year's real estate taxes. “The application should be submitted to Manchester City Hall along with a paid receipt of the prior year’s real estate taxes for the property.” (City of Manchester, Steps for Utilizing the Sewer Lateral Repair Program, checked 2026-10-03)

• The program applies to single-family residential and single-family fee simple ownership. “The City of Brentwood’s Sewer Lateral Program applies to single-family residential and single-family fee simple ownership.” (City of Brentwood, Sewer Lateral Repair Program, checked 2026-10-03)
• The program is not intended to satisfy a home sale contingency. “The program is not intended to satisfy a home sale contingency.” (City of Brentwood, Sewer Lateral Repair Program, checked 2026-10-03)
• The qualified repair cost limit has been raised to $4,250; repairs above it are the owner's. “The qualified repair cost limit has been raised to $4,250 for the City of Brentwood. Repairs above the $4,250 qualified repair cost limit are the responsibility of the property owner.” (City of Brentwood, Sewer Lateral Repair Program, checked 2026-10-03)
• The owner pays the plumber who opens the lateral blockage. “Property owner pays plumber for opening sewer lateral flow.” (City of Brentwood, Sewer Lateral Repair Program, checked 2026-10-03)
• For non-emergency qualified repairs the owner obtains at least three quotes. “For non-emergency qualified repairs, it is the property owner’s responsibility to obtain a minimum of three (3) quotes.” (City of Brentwood, Sewer Lateral Repair Program, checked 2026-10-03)

• The city covers up to 70% of the cost to repair defective laterals, with a maximum city contribution of $7,500. “The City of Creve Coeur insures sewer laterals for homes in the City for up to seventy percent (70%) of the cost to repair defective laterals, with a maximum City contribution of $7,500.” (City of Creve Coeur, Sanitary Sewer Lateral Program, checked 2026-10-03)
• A line under any part of a building, or a break inside the home, is not covered. “This program does not cover a sewer line located under any part of a building or a break inside of the home.” (City of Creve Coeur, Sanitary Sewer Lateral Program, checked 2026-10-03)
• The owner must obtain at least three repair bids and submit them to the city for review. “you must obtain at least three (3) repair bids and submit these bids to the City for review.” (City of Creve Coeur, Sanitary Sewer Lateral Program, checked 2026-10-03)
• The homeowner contracts with, schedules and pays the contractor. “It is the responsibility of the homeowner to enter into an agreement with the contractor to perform the work, to schedule the work, and to pay the contractor.” (City of Creve Coeur, Sanitary Sewer Lateral Program, checked 2026-10-03)
• Work done before city approval may not be reimbursed. “Work completed prior to receiving an approval from the City may not be eligible for reimbursement.” (City of Creve Coeur, Sanitary Sewer Lateral Program, checked 2026-10-03)

• Olivette collects an annual $50 sewer lateral fee on residential property with six or fewer dwelling units per lateral. “an annual sewer lateral fee in the amount of fifty dollars ($50.00) on residential property for each lateral sewer service line serving six (6) or fewer dwelling units” (Olivette City Code, Ch. 535 Art. IV, checked 2026-10-03)
• Commercial and industrial properties cannot participate. “Commercial and industrial properties cannot participate in the program.” (Olivette City Code, Ch. 535 Art. IV, checked 2026-10-03)
• The city pays covered costs to the procured contractor up to $6,000 unless exceptional conditions exist. “The City will directly pay covered costs to the procured contractor for projects once satisfactorily completed up to a maximum of six thousand dollars ($6,000.00) unless exceptional conditions exist.” (Olivette City Code, Ch. 535 Art. IV, checked 2026-10-03)
• Exceptionally difficult projects can get an additional $3,000. “Exceptionally difficult projects that meet the criteria of Section 535.160(G) will be eligible for an additional three thousand dollars ($3,000.00) program participation.” (Olivette City Code, Ch. 535 Art. IV, checked 2026-10-03)

• The application needs a paid property tax receipt and a paid cabling bill from within two months. “To qualify for the program, a copy your paid Property Tax Receipt and a copy of the paid cabling bill performed within two (2) months of application must be attached to application.” (City of Overland, Application for Sewer Lateral Repair Program, checked 2026-10-03)
• The city arranges a private contractor to videotape the line. “the City will arrange for a private contractor to video tape the line so that the cause and location of the problem can be determined.” (City of Overland, Application for Sewer Lateral Repair Program, checked 2026-10-03)
• If the inspection does not show a defect, the owner pays the testing contractor. “If the televising inspection fails to demonstrate that the line is defective, the property owner shall be responsible for paying the testing contractor bill.” (City of Overland, Application for Sewer Lateral Repair Program, checked 2026-10-03)
• If the lateral is defective, the city contracts the repair and picks the lowest bidder for non-emergency work. “If the sewer lateral is defective, the City will contract for repair from a licensed plumber/drainlayer licensed with the City. If bid (non-emergency repair), the city will select the lowest bidder to perform the repairs.” (City of Overland, Application for Sewer Lateral Repair Program, checked 2026-10-03)

Not in general. The entire lateral from your home to the MSD main is private property. The City of St. Louis program is limited to properties of six or fewer units with taxes paid, and a break under private property rather than the right-of-way is the owner's alone and not eligible.

It varies by city: for example, University City pays the first part of an approved repair up to its cap, Webster Groves pays 80% of the lowest bid up to its cap, Maplewood caps its contribution with the owner paying an offset plus 30%, Kirkwood covers 75% of the lowest bid, Chesterfield covers certain repairs up to its maximum, Ferguson currently pays 100% of an approved repair, Crestwood pays all authorized costs up to its cap and half above it, and Creve Coeur pays up to 70% to its maximum. Each figure and its source is in the table above.

The homeowner hires a licensed plumber or drain layer to clear the blockage and diagnose whether repairs are needed. If they are, you submit the county's repair application with the plumber's certification, and the county arranges the repair at no additional cost to you.

Missouri law (RSMo 249.422) lets a city, town, village or the county for its unincorporated area adopt the fee if a majority of voters approve, capped per property of six or fewer units, with the money kept in a special account used only for lateral repairs.

Usually not. Ballwin does not cover defects found by a buyer's inspection without a qualifying history, and Florissant, Rock Hill and Brentwood say their programs are not intended to satisfy a home sale contingency.

Depends on the city. Hazelwood pays its share to the contractor the owner selects based on the lowest of three bids, Richmond Heights has the homeowner hire a licensed contractor after approval, Florissant uses the city's own crew, Des Peres and Manchester send the city's repair contractor, Creve Coeur has the homeowner contract with and pay the contractor, and St. Louis County arranges the repair itself.