Who is responsible?

Wow! That could have been a major explosion. After 30 years I think you should count your blessings that nobody ever cut the line while cleaning your sewer. I know it's hard to eat the cost but at least you're alive to pay it.

I don't know if there is a right answer to the primary question of who is responsible. I sympathize with what you are saying, but it also seems reasonable that the primary contractor is the primary party and if they are long out of business... I dunno. I would doubt many attorneys would even think about taking this on even if you had the $ to do so given the long delay period.

It really and truly sucks, especially now that you know about it and fail to fix it you may be held libel for any future calamity.

State has ordered Excel to fix this problem in the TC
Read here:
http://finance-commerce.com/2011/03/natural-gas-explosion-hits-south-minneapolis/

Looks like there may be a solution.  

Even though I am convinced this is City property and since they are the service provider they should fix it like Excel in the Cities, my insurance company has said they will cover all but the cost of repairing the sidewalks (since they are on City property).  You would think that the City would do that much.  

BTW  The Hartford is a great insurance provider.  Let's hope they don't cancel the insurance after this.

Call the city (comfort systems)and report that rain water is leaking into your sewer pipe.  I got a credit last summer to fix the sewer from the house to the street because it was letting in rain water.  

A contractor did the work and billed the city.  Never cost me a dime.  Once the contractor sees the mess he/ she may be able to pull the appropriate strings.

Good Luck, now forget that crap and go sailing.

@B-man, How did you get a credit for the whole thing?  

The city sent me a letter saying I have 90 days to repair my sewer, because of rainwater.

The Private Sewer System Grant program covers 80 percent of the cost, up to $4,000. The city figures the sewer replacement should only cost $5,000.  I got 4 bids and none of them are $5,000, all are over.

@Shane.  I believe I was fortunate that the city was replacing the road, and utility service in front of my property at the time, saving me mucho dinero. Thinking about it now I feel fortunate that I decided to do it then.