How can I find out where a sewer problem is?

When a sewer backup or other problem occurs, call the Napa Sanitation District at 707-258-6000, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and a Napa Sanitation District (NSD) crew member will come out and inspect the public sewer main and lower lateral, free of charge. In many cases it will not be obvious whether the property owner or NSD is responsible for the problem. If the problem is in the District’s portion of the sewer system (PDF), we’ll repair the problem as soon as possible. If the District’s sewer line is clear, the property owner will be informed that the blockage is probably in the upper sewer lateral. In this case, the property owner is responsible for maintenance or repair and may still need to call a plumber.

Caution

When trying to locate a sewer problem, never open manholes or other NSD structures. Due to potential hazards, only NSD personnel are authorized to open and inspect these structures.

Show All Answers

1. Who is responsible for sewer repairs?
2. How can I find out where a sewer problem is?
3. Sewage is backing up into my house/building through overflowing toilets, sinks, bathtubs, dishwasher, and/or washing machines. What should I do?
4. Sewage is overflowing from a cleanout or manhole onto the ground, driveway, street, etc. What should I do?
5. What is the difference between the sewer system and the storm drain system?
6. I have slow drainage through my toilets, showers, and sinks. What can I do about it?
7. I paid a plumber to repair my sewer lateral line. It turns out the problem was occurring in the public sewer line. Can I be reimbursed for my plumbing bill?
8. How do I proceed with a sewer lateral repair problem?
9. How can I avoid damage to other utilities during repairs or construction?
10. A contractor or utility worker broke my sewer lateral or sewer main line. What should I do?
11. Is there information available on the history or cleaning frequency of a sewer line?
12. There is a manhole cover in my neighborhood that rattles every time a vehicle drives over it. What can I do about it?
13. What can I do about terrible sewer odors?
14. How can I get a sewer clean-out installed?