Sewer backups or problems in your home are often caused by blockages in your side sewer line. The side sewer is the pipe that connects your home to the City of Tacoma's main lines in the streets.
Get a low-interest sewer repair loans
If your side sewer needs repair or replacement, you may be eligible for a low-interest loan through the City of Tacoma's Sewer Conservation Loan Program. The City offers this low-interest loan program to qualified homeowners for up to 90 percent of side sewer repair or replacement costs. We also have a loan program for business owners. 
The first of its kind in Washington, the residential loan program features an interest rate at 2% below the prime rate (with a minimum of 4%) on amounts between $1,000 and $10,000, secured through a security interest (lien) on the project property.
For more information call Linda Reiter at (253) 502-2159 or check out our troubleshooting guide and frequently asked questions.
The City also offers a home repair loan program through the Community and Economic Development department that can be used for sewer repairs for low-income residents. For more information about this program, call (253) 591-5364.
Environmental Services Sewer Conservation Loan -- Eligibility Requirements
- Your home must be in the City of Tacoma and served by Tacoma Wastewater Management. (Check your utility bill if you are unsure.)
- Your side sewer repair or replacement must be for an existing residential structure. (New construction or replacement projects already completed are not eligible.)
- You must have good credit with Tacoma Public Utilities or a recent good credit report.
If you have any questions eligibility, please call Linda Reiter at (253) 502-2159 to find out if you can qualify.
To apply:
- Determine cost of project and loan amount
- Download the fact sheet and loan application (PDF)
- Complete the application, make sure to fill in all the required information
- Send the completed application to:
Environmental Services Conservation Loan Program
2201 Portland Avenue
Tacoma, WA 98421
Or fax the completed application to (253) 502-2295.
For more information about the loan program, please contact Linda Reiter at (253) 502-2159.
Low-interest sewer repair loans for businesses
If your business needs to install equipment to keep pollutants out of the sewer system, we might be able to help you pay for it.
We offer low-interest loans to qualified business owners for up to 90 percent of the estimated cost for industrial pretreatment equipment, grease interceptors, oil/water separators or almost any other business-related equipment necessary to keep pollutants out of the sewer system.
The commercial sewer conservation loan program features an interest rate at 2% below the prime rate (with a minimum of 4%) on amounts between $10,000 and $100,000.
Commercial Sewer Conservation Loan -- Eligibility Requirements
- Your commercial or industrial building must be located in the City of Tacoma and served by Tacoma Wastewater Management. (Check your utility bill if you are unsure.)
- Your pollution prevention equipment or repair must be for an existing commercial structure. (New construction or replacement projects already completed are not eligible.)
- Your business must have good credit.
If you have any questions about your eligibility, please call us at (253) 591-5588 to find out if you qualify.
To apply:
- Determine cost of project and loan amount
- Download the loan application packet (PDF)
- Complete the application, making sure to fill in all the required information
- Send the completed application to:
Community Development Corporation
Attention: Conservation Loans
P.O. Box 11349
Tacoma, WA 98411-0349
Or fax the completed application to (253) 798-6389.
For more information about the loan program, please call (253) 798-7038
E-mail contact for this page: Community Relations