Sewer Key Schedule 1 is usually in your property deed or the county assessor's office

Sewer Key Schedule 1 is a document that maps which sewer line serves your property and identifies the specific connection point. It is not a single national form — instead, each county or municipality maintains its own version, filed under different names depending on where you live. Your first stop should be the county assessor's office or the public works department in the city or county where your property sits.

If you own the property, the schedule may already be in your possession. Check your closing documents, deed, or the folder of papers you received when you bought the house. Many homeowners find it filed with their property survey or the original plot plan. If you are renting, ask your landlord or property manager — they are required to have this information on file.

When you contact the assessor's office or public works, have your property address and parcel number ready. Some offices let you search online through a public records portal; others require you to visit in person or request the document by mail. A few charge a small fee to print and send copies, though many provide them free.

Key Takeaways

  • Sewer Key Schedule 1 is maintained by your county assessor or municipal public works department, not by a state or federal office.
  • Your property deed, closing documents, or property survey may already contain a copy if you own the home.
  • You will need your property address and parcel number to request the document from a government office.
  • Some counties offer online access to sewer schedules through a public records portal; others require an in-person or mail request.
  • The schedule shows your sewer connection point and which main line serves your property, information you may need for repairs or inspections.

How to search your county assessor's office online

Many counties have digitized their property records and made them searchable on a public website. Start by searching "[your county name] assessor property search" or "[your county name] GIS map" — GIS (Geographic Information System) maps often include sewer and utility information alongside property boundaries.

Once you find the portal, enter your property address or parcel number. The results usually show a property profile with basic ownership and tax information. Some portals include a "utilities" or "infrastructure" tab where sewer schedules and connection diagrams are stored. If the schedule is not visible in the online portal, note the parcel number from the search result and call the assessor's office directly with that number — it speeds up the process.

Contacting the public works or utilities department

If the assessor's office does not have the sewer schedule, the city or county public works department or utilities division almost certainly does. They maintain the actual sewer maps and connection records. Call the main public works number for your municipality and ask to speak with someone in the sewer or wastewater section.

Tell them you need the sewer connection schedule for your address. They may ask why you need it — common reasons are a sewer backup, a planned repair, a septic-to-sewer conversion, or a property inspection. Provide your address and parcel number. Some departments email the document the same day; others mail it within a week or ask you to pick it up at their office.

What information appears on Sewer Key Schedule 1

The schedule typically shows your property's location on a small map, the sewer main line that serves it, and the exact point where your property's lateral (the pipe running from your house to the main) connects. It may also list the size of the main line, the depth at which it runs, and the direction of flow toward the treatment plant or lift station.

Some schedules include the year the line was installed and the material it is made of — information that matters if you are dealing with an old clay or cast-iron line that is prone to root intrusion or collapse. The document is not a detailed engineering plan, but it gives you and a plumber or inspector enough information to locate the connection and understand the system serving your home.

When you need Sewer Key Schedule 1

You typically need this document when a plumber or inspector asks for it, or when you are planning work that touches the sewer line. Common situations include a sewer backup in your basement, a slow drain that might indicate a blockage in the main line, or a planned renovation that requires digging near the foundation.

If you are buying a home, a home inspector may request it as part of the inspection process. If you are converting from a septic system to a municipal sewer connection, the contractor will need it to plan the new lateral. In some cases, your homeowner's insurance company may ask for it if you file a claim related to sewer damage.

If you cannot find the schedule in your records

Do not assume it does not exist. Many older properties were never given a copy when the sewer system was installed, or the document was lost over decades of ownership changes. The government office that maintains the original always has a copy.

If the assessor's office and public works department both say they do not have a digitized version, ask whether they keep paper records you can view in person. Some smaller municipalities store everything in filing cabinets rather than online systems. If the property is very old, the schedule might be filed under a different name — ask the office staff what they call their sewer connection documents.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need Sewer Key Schedule 1 to hire a plumber?

Not always. A plumber can usually diagnose a problem without it. However, if the issue is in the main line or the lateral connection, the schedule helps the plumber locate the exact point of connection and understand the system layout. It saves time and can prevent unnecessary digging.

Is Sewer Key Schedule 1 the same as a property survey?

No. A property survey shows your lot boundaries and structures on it. A sewer schedule shows only the sewer connection and the main line serving your property. You may find the sewer information printed on a survey, but they are separate documents with different purposes.

What if my county says they do not have a sewer schedule for my address?

This usually means your property is on a septic system, not connected to municipal sewer. Ask the county to confirm whether your address is in a sewer service area. If it is, ask them to check under an older parcel number or previous owner name — records sometimes get misfiled or renamed during system updates.

Can I get Sewer Key Schedule 1 online without visiting an office?

Many counties offer online access through their assessor or GIS portal. Search your county name plus "property records" or "GIS map" to find the portal. If your county does not have an online system, you can usually request the document by phone or email and have it mailed to you.

How much does it cost to get a copy?

Most counties provide copies free or for a small fee — typically between two and five dollars. Some offices waive the fee if you pick it up in person. Call ahead to ask about the cost and whether they accept payment by mail, phone, or online.