Frequently Asked Questions
What is a lateral? What is a prohibited connection?
A private lateral is the underground pipe that connects the customer's property to the KUB sewer system. Under KUB Rules and Regulations and area plumbing codes, property owners own and must maintain their laterals just as they would any other pipe or plumbing fixture. A prohibited connection is something that allows stormwater, which can overload sewers and contribute to overflows, to enter the KUB sewer system. Prohibited connections include roof downspouts, groundwater sump pumps, foundation drains, and drains from window wells, driveways, etc. Stormwater should go to the storm sewers or drainage ditches or soak into the ground.
How will I know if I have a problem?
As part of its mandated Private Lateral Program (PLP), KUB notifies property owners when sewer improvement work finds that they have defective private laterals or prohibited connections to the sewer system. Such problems violate area plumbing codes, KUB Rules and Regulations, and federal regulations, and KUB must terminate water service at properties where owners do not comply with requirements to repair laterals.
If you have been notified and wish to file an appeal,
click here for the proper form.
Why did KUB start the PLP?
As you may know, KUB is under a Federal Consent Decree that requires it to repair its sewer lines to stop sewer overflows. PACE 10, KUB's accelerated 10-year wastewater system improvement program, is designed to help stop sewer overflows and help area waterways improve to meet Clean Water Act requirements. The Consent Decree also requires KUB to operate a Private Lateral Program (PLP) to inspect customer-owned private laterals for defects or prohibited connections.
To operate a PLP, KUB must take the following steps
- Inspect private laterals and identify defects or prohibited connections, like roof downspouts [KUB generally performs inspections, like smoke testing and televising lines, along with other PACE 10 work.]
- Inform property owners of any defects, the process to follow for repairs, and sources of financial aid
- Ensure the owner corrects the problem within 120 days [or completes a formal appeal to KUB within 14 days of the Notice of Violations - or roughly 44 days from the first Notice of Noncompliance]
- Terminate water service if the problem isn't corrected in 120 days.
How and when will I be notified?
- First KUB sends a Notice of Noncompliance (NONC) by certified mail.
- 30 days: KUB sends a Notice of Violation (NOV) if repairs are not completed; deadline for appeals is 14 days after the NOV.
- 60 days: The Private Lateral Program Coordinator contacts the owner.
- 90 days: KUB sends a Notice of Termination saying the property's water service will be shut off at 120 days if the issue is not resolved.
- 110 days: KUB leaves a doorhanger saying water service will be shut off in 10 days unless the owner arranges to correct the problem.
- 119 days: KUB makes a final contact attempt before shutting off water.
- 120 days: KUB turns off water service and leaves a doorhanger as notice.
What if I can't afford the required work?
You may qualify for aid through a KUB grant program* or loan program. Also, area lenders are aware of the PLP and offer loan products to help property owners make repairs.
The Community Action Committee (CAC) administers the programs for KUB, and CAC determines who qualifies for aid. Approval is based on income, but not income alone. The CAC adjusts for family size, medical expenses, and other qualifying factors.
To see if you qualify for a grant or loan to repair your lateral, please call the CAC at 637-9073. If you don't qualify for aid, you should contact a plumber to schedule the needed work. KUB publishes the
City of Knoxville Licensed Plumbers List only as a reference for customers. KUB does not approve or endorse plumbers.
Note: KUB sends copies to tenants of all notices to the property owner, so they will also know that their water service may be terminated if the owner doesn't fix the lateral. KUB also sends notices to grant and loan participants as part of our standard enforcement process, even though CAC is scheduling those repairs.
What are the consequences of not repairing laterals or not removing prohibited connections?
Broken laterals can allow tree roots or debris into the pipe, which may cause blockages, building backups, or overflows in the environment. And leaking pipes allow wastewater to reach ground water or area waterways, which adds to water pollution.
Defects and prohibited connections also let stormwater enter KUB sewers. That extra water costs more to treat, and it may overload the system, causing overflows. Prohibited connections include roof downspouts, groundwater sump pumps, foundation drains, and drains from window wells, driveways, etc.
*This project [Grant Program] was undertaken [by KUB] in connection with the settlement of a civil enforcement action taken by the United States for violations of the Clean Water Act.
