What Does
Lateral Connection Mean?
The lateral connection is the point at which the sewer line coming out from homes and businesses connects to the city's main sewer line. The lateral sewer line is smaller in diameter than the main sewer and is connected to the sewer main by a wye, saddle or cut-in-wye connection.
A faulty lateral connection can cause the joint to open and allow infiltration, exfiltration, and an access point for tree root intrusion and soil. Trenchless methods of rehabilitation can be used to address faulty joints or replace broken lateral sewer lines.
Trenchlesspedia Explains Lateral Connection
The preferred type of sewer lateral connection is the wye connection, which resembles the alphabet letter "Y." Wherever a new public pipeline connection with laterals is required, the wye connection is used because sewer and stormwater drainage systems flow under the influence of gravity, unlike pressurized water pipeline systems.
It has been found that the Y shape works the best because it is able to direct the flow from the lateral line to the main line in the direction of flow in the main sewer line. This helps prevent clogs and backup.
When a public sewer line already exists in the area, but a new lateral connection is required for a particular property, the saddle or cut-in-wye connection is used.