How do I proceed with a sewer lateral repair problem?

If the sewer problem is found to be in the upper sewer lateral (JPEG) (between the building and cleanout at the property line), the property owner is responsible for repair and can hire a plumbing contractor or make the repairs themselves. Contractors are listed in the yellow pages of the phone book under "Plumbing Drain and Sewer Cleaning" or "Sewer Contractors." If you plan to hire a contractor, we recommend getting estimates from more than one company.


Before doing any work on a sewer line, including installing a cleanout, you need to obtain an Inspection Permit from the Napa Sanitation District. More information on how to get a permit is available by calling us at 707-258-6000. Cleaning a lateral line through an existing cleanout does not require a permit. Once you are aware of a sewer lateral problem, it should be repaired as soon as possible. Sewer laterals that leak or overflow are a public health risk and may cause damage to the environment.

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?