Side Sewer Assistance Program

The Side Sewer Assistance Program provides income-eligible homeowners with interest free loans to repair their side sewer. If you own your home in Seattle, you own the side sewer. The side sewer is the sewer pipe that carries wastewater from sinks, toilets, and drains to the public sewer in the street.

To participate, you must first complete a loan application. Please review the income chart below to see if you might income qualify.

Unsure how to know if your sewer pipe is broken? Refer to the Troubleshooting Your Sewer Problem guide for information.

• You live in Seattle City Limits.
• You own and occupt your home. Renters are not eligible.
• You have a broken or collapsed side sewer that requires an emergency repair.
• Income must be at or below the Home Repair Income Guidelines. For more information, please contact HealthyHome@seattle.gov.

Applicants can apply for the Side Sewer Assistance Program by calling (206) 684-0244 or emailing HealthyHome@seattle.gov. You will need to provide the following information:

• Homeowner's name.
• Property address.
• Brief description of the major repairs needed

To complete the application you’ll also need to provide:

• Government-issued identification for everyone living in your household.
• Income documentation for everyone living in your household.
• Any other information from our Document Checklist included with our application.

What to expect after applying:

• Your application will be reviewed and processed by Office of Housing staff.
• If your application meets the eligibility requirements, a Property Rehabilitation Specialist from the Office of Housing will help you with bid estimates from three side sewer contractors.
• Once a contractor is chosen, we will start your loan documents, which could take up to a month. No work can begin until after the loan has been completed and all documents are signed.

Loan Program Exclusions

Our loan program does not provide the following:

1. Fast emergency sewer service.
2. Maintenance service on sewer lines.
3. Clearing or jetting the line.
4. Installing only a liner.
5. Reimbursement towards any repairs.

Printable Side Sewer Assistance Flyer

Seattle Public Utilities - Your Side Sewer: Find resources to help you understand, protect, maintain, and if needed, repair your side sewer.

Email: Healthyhome@seattle.gov
Phone: (206) 684-0244