Guide
SAWS pipes, leaks and sewer backups
When water or sewage shows up where it shouldn't, the first question is whose pipe failed. In San Antonio the answer usually sits at the meter or the property line.
Who owns what
| Part of the system | Owner | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Water main to the meter | SAWS (the water lateral) | SAWS service lines |
| Meter to the building | Customer (the service line) | SAWS service lines |
| Plumbing on private property | The property owner, in general | SAWS FAQ |
| Sewer main | SAWS clears and repairs it | Plumbing Backed Up? |
| Blockage on your side of the main | Customer, through a licensed plumber | Plumbing Backed Up? |
Leon Valley, Universal City, Boerne, Cibolo and New Braunfels run their own systems or use another provider; see each city page.
Reporting a leak
If a leak looks like it is coming from the SAWS system, such as water bubbling up in the street or around the meter box, SAWS asks you to call 210-704-SAWS (7297) and press 1 (report a problem). Smaller water leaks can also be reported through the form on saws.org.
SAWS lists the same number for customer service during business hours and for water and sewer emergencies (SAWS FAQ). Leaks on your side of the meter are yours to fix with a plumber.
Sewer backups
SAWS's order of steps
Plumber
A licensed plumber televises your line with a camera and clears any blockage on your side.
Cleanup
If sewage got into the house, call a remediation (cleaning) company.
SAWS
Call 210-704-7297 to report the backup so a crew can inspect the SAWS main.
Reimbursement
If the blockage was in the right-of-way, street, alley or easement, ask about the Sewer Lateral Reimbursement Program.
Reimbursement
The Sewer Lateral Reimbursement rules
Location
The blockage must be beyond your property, in the right-of-way, street, alley or easement.
Marking
Your plumber electronically locates the lateral and marks the obstruction with a green-paint X, then contacts SAWS.
Paperwork
A legible receipt from the licensed plumber, with the repair address, contact name, mailing address and phone.
What is paid
Only the plumber's normal and customary charges for locating the problem. New cleanouts and other improvements are excluded.
Timing
SAWS says to allow four to six weeks.
Damage inside
SAWS will not pay for repair or replacement of damaged property.
Sewage or water inside?
Talk it through with a San Antonio restoration contractor
Say where the water came from, which rooms it reached and roughly when it started. The contractor on the line can tell you what an inspection would look at and what they charge for it.
Water where it shouldn't be? Make one call.
The call goes to an independent restoration contractor that takes work in your part of Bexar County or the nearby suburbs.
Call (210) 750-1322Calls may be recorded for quality. How the line is paid: referral disclosure. What is kept: privacy.