Tex. Loc. Gov't Code Ann. ch. 214 (subchs. A, B, C, G, H, I, Z) § 214.014
DRAINS, SINKS, AND PRIVIES.
Operative Text
Sec. 214.014. DRAINS, SINKS, AND PRIVIES. (a) The governing body of a Type A general-law municipality may, by resolution or ordinance, order the owner of a private drain, sink, or privy to fill up, clean, drain, alter, relay, repair, or improve the drain, sink, or privy.(b) If the order cannot be served on a person in the municipality, the municipality may have the work done on behalf of the owner. The municipality may fix a lien on the owner's property for expenses incurred in having the work done. The lien is created when the mayor of the municipality files and records a memorandum, under the seal of the municipality, with the clerk of the district court.(c) The municipality may enforce the lien and may obtain in any court having jurisdiction a judgment against the owner for the amount of the expenses.(d) The governing body may punish by a fine a person who does not comply with an order adopted under this section. Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 149, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987.
Under Texas Local Government Code § 214.014, a Type A general-law municipality has the authority to order the owner of a private drain, sink, or privy to take corrective action — such as filling, cleaning, draining, altering, or repairing the structure. If the owner cannot be reached or fails to act, the municipality may carry out the work itself, recover its costs by placing a lien on the owner's property, and pursue a court judgment for those expenses. Owners who do not comply with a municipal order issued under this section may also face a fine imposed by the governing body.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners subject to a Type A general-law municipality's jurisdiction should be aware that § 214.014 gives local governing bodies the power to issue binding orders regarding private drains, sinks, and privies on their properties. Compliant operators generally respond promptly to any such municipal order and complete the required work — whether filling, cleaning, repairing, or improving the structure — before the municipality steps in to do it at the owner's expense. Failing to comply can result in a municipal lien recorded against the property, a court judgment for the municipality's costs, and a fine levied by the governing body.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Tenants living in a Type A general-law municipality who are concerned about the condition of a private drain, sink, or privy on their rental property may find that § 214.014 gives the local governing body authority to order the property owner to address the problem. If the owner does not comply with such an order, the municipality itself can step in and perform the necessary work, and the owner may face fines and a lien on the property. Tenants can contact their local municipal government to inquire about filing a complaint or requesting an inspection, and may also wish to consult a tenant-rights organization to understand what options are available under this provision.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 28, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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