Residential Sanitary Sewer Lateral Insurance Program (SLIP)
The City of Florissant's Residential Sewer Lateral Insurance Program covers the cost of repairing a defective residential sanitary sewer lateral in the City of Florissant.
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. The homeowner is responsible for the cost of repair or replacement of their sewer lateral inside their home and within five feet of the home.
The program does not cover septic tank systems, private treatment systems or the cost to replace any trees, shrubs, flowers, sod, decks, concrete work (except for public sidewalk and street work), retaining walls or out-buildings that may be damaged during repair of the sewer lateral. The program will cover only sanitary sewer laterals that connect to the main sewer system. The program is responsible for covering the repaired sewer lateral site with clean fill rock and soil, and seeding the area.
This program does not apply to commercial, industrial or multi-family properties with more than six dwelling units.
If you see a cave-in/sinkhole:
Contact City of Florissant Engineering Division at engineering@florissantmo.com. The City will contact MSD (the St. Louis Metropolitan Sewer District) to perform a dye test. As seen in the illustration below, cave-ins are frequently caused by leaks in private and public sewer lines. If it is positive to the public sewer, MSD will make the necessary repairs. If it is positive to the private sewer (home sewer lateral) the homeowner is eligible to apply to Florissant’s sewer lateral insurance program below (no deposit is required for positive MSD dye test applications). If it is negative to the private or public sewer system, then MSD will inform the City that the hole is caused by another source (for example, rotting tree roots, erosion, animal burrowing, etc.) in which case the homeowner is responsible for filling the hole.
If you have a sewer blockage:
Step One - Application
Apply to Florissant’s Sewer Lateral Insurance Program at the link on the bottom of this page. There is a $300 deposit for applying to the Program. Once the City has received your application and the office has verified that the taxes were paid for the property, you will be emailed an invoice that can be paid online, over the phone, or at City Hall. We do not accept personal checks as a deposit. We accept cash, debit and credit cards, money orders or cashier's checks. (All debit and credit cards processed will have an additional 2.65% that is a non-refundable processing fee).
Once the deposit has been received, the City will have our plumbing contractor contact you and make an appointment to inspect your sewer lateral and provide the City with a report.
Step Two - City Review
City Engineer reviews video report
If approved:
- Receive approval notification and tentative repair date (this is only an estimate, as the date often has to be moved around due to emergency repairs, weather, etc.)
Homeowner Responsibility:
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- The city’s sewer crew will need access to water and electric outside the home the day of the repair
- Someone 18 years old or older must be at the home the day of the repair
- After the area is restored, the homeowner is responsible for watering the seed, or the grass will not grow
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If denied:
• Deposit kept for plumber inspection and clerical costs Possible reasons for denial:
• Area with blockage is under the home, or within 5 feet of the home foundation
• Small defects or hairline cracks
• Line is open and in serviceable condition
• This program is not intended to satisfy a home sale contingency.
If your lateral is denied for repair, your deposit will be kept by the City to pay for the cost of the City’s contracted plumber and clerical costs.
Step Three - Repair
If a repair is approved by the City Engineer, the repair process is as follows:
City Responsibilities:
- City’s sewer crew will contact Missouri
- One Call for utility line locations
- Schedule repair (emergency repairs will be prioritized)
- Confirm appointment day before repair Crew will arrive between 7-9 AM on repair day
- Excavate, perform repair, backfill, and seed area (seeding may occur later depending on the season).
- Reimburse the $300 deposit to applicant. Reimbursements are processed on the last week in month after repair is performed.
SEWER LATERAL PROGRAM DISCLAIMER:
Following receipt of your application and $300.00 deposit, the Department of Public Works will evaluate the application and verify that Personal Property taxes for the previous year were paid.
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. If your lateral is approved for repair, you will be reimbursed the $300.00 deposit once the repair is complete; if you are not approved for repair, your deposit will be kept to compensate the City's contracted plumber for their services.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is this program funded?
Under this program, homeowners pay a $50.00 annual fee, which is included on the real estate property tax bills issued to homeowners each year.
How do I apply to the program?
There is a link to the application at the bottom of this page. If necessary, there are paper copies of the application available at City Hall.
When should I apply to the program?
If you have had your sewer lateral line cabled by a licensed plumber or drainlayer, and they were not able to open the line, you are eligible to apply to the program. Also, if you have received notification from the City or MSD that a cave-in is positive to your sewer lateral, you are eligible to apply.
What is the wait time for an approved repair?
Although wait times vary, the average time from approval to repair is 2 weeks. Emergency repairs (lines that are completely blocked) receive precedence and are moved to the front of the repair list.
Why isn’t the City replacing my entire sewer lateral?
This program was created to make spot repairs (usually 10 feet) to defective sewer laterals, helping homeowners from being stuck with thousands of dollars in repair costs when their sewer is not functioning. This program is not there to replace the entire sewer lateral with new pipe, or to prevent future defects that may occur. If the City replaced your entire sewer lateral line, the program would quickly go bankrupt.
What constitutes an emergency repair?
A lateral that is severely clogged and cabling the lateral by a licensed plumber or drainlayer is unsuccessful is considered an emergency repair. The clog must be so severe that nothing can pass through the lateral. In a case where there are numerous emergency repairs pending, they are repaired in the order received. If there is only one emergency repair pending, it will be moved in front of all pending repairs but only after the paperwork has been approved by the City Engineer and the Street Department has contacted Missouri One Call in which all underground lines have been located.
Why do I have to make a deposit?
Your deposit is to cover the cost of the City’s contracted plumber as well as clerical work in the case that your line only needs maintenance and is not eligible for repair through the sewer lateral insurance program. This program is not a substitute for regular maintenance and quality plumbing work.
When will I receive my deposit money back?
If you are eligible for a deposit reimbursement, they are processed on a monthly basis, so you can expect it to take up to 30 days before it is sent out.
Can my lateral repair be expedited because of a pending home sale?
No
I am selling my home. Will the new owner be eligible for the program?
Yes. This program is based on the technical requirements stated above regardless of who owns the home. As long as the real estate property taxes are paid in full, the home is eligible for consideration of repair. If a home is approved for repair, but it is anticipated that you will close on the home sale prior to the repair date, we require that the new owner submit written confirmation that they are aware of and in support of the planned repair.
What if my sewer lateral is attached to a septic tank?
Florissant residents whose homes have sanitary sewer laterals attached to septic tanks or leachate fields are not eligible for the Residential Sewer Lateral Inspection Program, however, a $28.00 sewer lateral fee will appear on the real estate tax bill. Refunds may be requested only from January 1st through December 31st for the previous paid tax year by submitting a "paid" real estate tax bill for the property to the Engineering Clerk in the Public Works Department.
What if I own a Condominium Unit?
The Residential Sewer Lateral Insurance Program does not apply to condominium units with six or more units, however, a $28.00 sewer lateral fee will appear on the real estate tax bill. Refunds may be requested only from January 1st through December 31st for the previous paid tax year by submitting a "paid" real estate tax bill for the property to the Engineering Clerk in the Public Works Department.
What if my sewer lateral is attached to a septic tank?
Florissant residents whose homes have sanitary sewer laterals attached to septic tanks or leachate fields are not eligible for the Residential Sewer Lateral Inspection Program, however, a $28.00 sewer lateral fee will appear on the real estate tax bill. Refunds may be requested only from January 1st through December 31st for the previous paid tax year by submitting a "paid" real estate tax bill for the property to the Engineering Clerk in the Public Works Department.
What if I own a Condominium Unit?
The Residential Sewer Lateral Insurance Program does not apply to condominium units with six or more units, however, a $28.00 sewer lateral fee will appear on the real estate tax bill. Refunds may be requested only from January 1st through December 31st for the previous paid tax year by submitting a "paid" real estate tax bill for the property to the Engineering Clerk in the Public Works Department.
What is meant by “routine maintenance of my sewer lateral line”?
Just like any other part of your home, your sewer lateral line requires regular maintenance. You may need to have your line cabled by a plumber or drainlayer on an annual basis, especially if you have large trees or bushes in your yard. Also, what you put in your drain is extremely important, and not flushing improper items will save you expensive plumbing bills in the future. Remember, NEVER pour Fats, Oils, or Grease down your sink, garbage disposal, or drain. Below is a list of other items that should NEVER be flushed down your toilet, garbage disposal, or drain:
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-Baby/facial/cleaning wipes -Paper towels -Diapers -Plastic Items -Aquarium Gravel -Kitty Litter -Disposable Toilet Brushes -Cigarette Butts -Syringes -Candy/Food Wrappers -FATS, OILS, OR GREASE |
-”Flushable” wipes -Tampons/Sanitary Napkins -Medication -Hair -Dental Floss -Cotton Swabs/Balls -Bandages -Rags and Towels -Rubber Gloves -Clothing Labels |
Who should I contact for more information on this program?
Please contact the Florissant Department of Public Works Engineering Division at engineering@florissantmo.com or 314-839-7643 if you have any questions or need information.
Sewer Lateral Insurance Program Application
Contact Us
- Phone: (314) 839-7643
- Staff Directory
- Hours: M-F 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.