Sewer Lateral Compliance
A sewer lateral is the pipe that carries wastewater from your property to the city’s main sewer line. R&L Plumbing provides sewer lateral compliance services across San Francisco and the Bay Area, including inspections, documentation, and repair work when needed. The rules vary by city, so it’s important to know what applies to your property.
| Your situation | What applies |
|---|---|
| Any San Francisco property owner | You’re responsible for maintaining the lateral from your building to the city main |
| Selling a home in a designated flood zone in SF | SFPUC requires notification of lateral condition at point of sale |
| Selling in South San Francisco, San Mateo, Burlingame or similar cities | Point-of-sale inspection and certificate requirements vary by city |
| Recurring backups or a suspected lateral issue | A camera inspection can show the lateral’s condition |
Who Is Responsible for the Sewer Lateral?
In San Francisco, property owners are responsible for maintaining the full lateral from the building to the city’s main sewer line. We can inspect the line and perform maintenance or repairs to the upper lateral. If the lower lateral needs structural repair, SFPUC usually handles that work.
In some East Bay communities, property owners are also generally responsible for maintaining the private lateral under EBMUD’s Regional Private Sewer Lateral Program. Requirements vary by city, so we’ll check the rules that apply to your property.
San Francisco's Point-of-Sale Requirement
If your property is in a designated flood zone, you may need to notify the buyer about the condition of the sewer lateral when you sell. San Francisco doesn’t require every seller to get a sewer lateral compliance certificate, which documents that the lateral has met applicable inspection or repair requirements. Check with SFPUC to see what applies to your property. You can also learn more about plumbing and sewer service on our San Francisco page.
Sewer Lateral Requirements Elsewhere in the Bay Area
Several Bay Area cities, including South San Francisco, San Mateo, Burlingame, Hillsborough, San Bruno, Millbrae, and Pacifica, have their own point-of-sale sewer lateral requirements. Inspection, repair, and certificate rules vary by city, so if you’re buying or selling in one of these areas, check with the local agency for the current requirements.
Our Sewer Lateral Compliance Services
- Guidance on which requirements apply to your specific property
- Sewer video inspection
- Sewer line repair or sewer line replacement, when needed
- Documentation for point-of-sale requirements, if applicable
- Submission of paperwork to the relevant local agency
- Recommendations on next steps based on the inspection results
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a sewer lateral compliance certificate to sell my San Francisco home?
Not necessarily. San Francisco doesn’t require every seller to get a sewer lateral compliance certificate. If your property is in a designated flood zone, you may have additional notification requirements. Check with SFPUC or your real estate professional for the rules that apply to your property.
What's the difference between San Francisco and South San Francisco's requirements?
They’re separate cities with different sewer lateral rules. San Francisco has a more limited point-of-sale requirement, while South San Francisco has its own compliance requirements. Check with the appropriate local agency for the current rules before selling.
Who pays for sewer lateral repairs?
Property owners are responsible for maintaining the full sewer lateral in San Francisco. A licensed plumber can perform maintenance or repairs to the upper lateral. If the lower lateral needs structural repair, SFPUC usually handles that work.
How long does a sewer lateral compliance inspection take?
The time depends on the property, access to the sewer lateral, and what the inspection finds. We can explain what to expect when you schedule the inspection.
Get Your Sewer Lateral Inspected
Whether you’re buying, selling, or trying to understand the condition of your sewer lateral, we can inspect the line and help you figure out the next step.