Plumber in Shoreline, WA: side sewers, permits and how to hire

What are Shoreline homes like, plumbing-wise?

Shoreline has the oldest median housing of the suburbs on this site. Census Bureau survey data for 2020 to 2024 put the median year built at 1969. About 23 percent of homes were built in the 1950s, about 18 percent in the 1960s and about 12 percent before 1950 (ACS table B25034 via Census Reporter). Many of these houses still have original galvanized steel supply lines, cast iron drains or concrete side sewers. Our old house plumbing guide explains what to look for.

Who owns the side sewer in Shoreline?

Shoreline runs its own wastewater utility, and its rules are in Shoreline Municipal Code chapter 13.05, the city's wastewater code. Under section 13.05.030, side sewers located on private property are exclusively owned by the underlying property owners unless an easement assigns them to the city and the city accepts them. The city owns the mains, pump stations and side sewer stubs in the public right of way, and it maintains, repairs and replaces the portions of private side sewers that lie within public rights of way and serve private property, unless an agreement or law says otherwise.

So in Shoreline, unlike Kent or Kirkland, the part of your side sewer under the street is generally the city's to maintain. The part in your yard is yours.

Do you need a permit to repair a side sewer?

Yes. Section 13.05.170 says that before maintaining, repairing or replacing an existing side sewer, the property owner or an authorized agent must obtain a permit from the city. The same section makes owners solely responsible for developing, maintaining, repairing and replacing private side sewers, including the connection to the public stub, check valves, cleanouts and pumps. Section 13.05.200 subjects all work on public or private wastewater systems to city inspection, and section 13.05.210 requires permittees to file a record drawing showing where the private side sewer runs. Ask for a copy of that drawing for your own records; it will save money the next time someone has to locate the line.

Who provides water in Shoreline?

Water service is split. North City Water District serves about 26,890 residents across roughly 5 square miles in parts of Shoreline and Lake Forest Park, with 96 miles of water main. Its supply comes from Seattle Public Utilities' Tolt River and Cedar River watersheds. Other parts of the city are served by a different water provider, so check your bill before you call about a leak at the meter. Ask your provider where its responsibility for the service line ends.

Where do you get a plumbing permit in Shoreline?

From the City of Shoreline. Public Health Seattle and King County issues plumbing permits only in Seattle, Clyde Hill and unincorporated King County, and for other cities it points owners to that city's building department (Public Health permits page). Shoreline's construction codes chapter 15.05 adopts the current Uniform Plumbing Code, except its provisions on sewers and fuel gas piping, and lists a 12 inch frost line depth in its residential design criteria. Pipes in crawlspaces and garages still need protection in a cold snap.

How do you check a plumber working in Shoreline?

Washington requires anyone doing plumbing for pay to hold a state certificate and work for a licensed plumbing contractor. King County's hiring guidance says contractors must be registered with L&I, post a bond and carry general liability insurance. Search the company in the L&I Verify tool before you sign, and ask whether the bid includes the city side sewer permit and record drawing. Our hiring guide and side sewer inspection guide help you plan.

How can this site help?

This site is an independent homeowner guide operated by SWKM GmbH. We are not a contractor, hold no license and do not perform plumbing work. If you would like help, email us your Shoreline ZIP code, what is happening and a few photos. We reply by email with practical next steps and, where we know a licensed contractor for your area, an introduction. Please run the license checks above on anyone you hire, including anyone we mention.