SEWER LATERAL DAMAGE ASSESSMENT
SEWER LATERAL DAMAGE ASSESSMENT Sewer laterals and associated sewer cleanouts are required to be re-established as part of new home construction in the rebuild areas. Sewer laterals are the property owner’s responsibility for operation repair and maintenance from the City sewer main to the house (see diagram below), per City Code 15-04.035
Sewer Lateral Testing: All building permits issued for homes in the rebuild area are conditioned with the language below to ensure sewer lateral integrity and flow from the house to the City sewer main. Builders have been testing sewer laterals in various ways to help ensure integrity and flow. Not all testing methods are able to detect deficiencies, such as total or partial debris blockages in the lateral, broken lateral pipe material or non-standard sewer lateral repairs made without City inspection. Video inspection is the most reliable method to determine lateral integrity from the sidewalk to the main, but likely also carries with it the highest cost due to the additional technology needs and the availability of video inspection contractors. (Continues on next page) 1
Additional information regarding the Santa Rosa rebuilding effort available online: SRCity.org/Rebuild │ SonomaCountyRecovers.org 2/6/2020
Example of building permit sewer lateral condition: A cleanout must be installed within City right of way per City standard 513, 513A (depending on depth) if none exists. If one needs to be installed or if the sewer lateral needs to be replaced, an Encroachment Permit may be required. Provide the Building Inspector with a report indicating that the sewer lateral is in working condition prior to the water service being re-instated.
Sewer Lateral Damage: During the summer and fall of 2018, PG&E trenched approximately 14 miles through City streets (adjacent to curb and gutter) to restore gas, electric and communication infrastructure damaged by the fire. Nearly half the sewer laterals within the rebuilding areas were crossed over as part of this work. The City has discovered 4 sewer laterals/mains damaged by this work and 2 more are under investigation as of January 2020. The City is currently working with representatives from PG&E to address the identified issues. Three of the damaged laterals were discovered by homeowners after occupancy. This damage would likely have been discovered if a sewer lateral video inspection was performed prior to reconnecting to the existing sewer lateral. The City is working with PG&E to have them perform video inspections of all sewer crossings to identify and repair any additional damages though this work will take time. In the interim, the City is recommending sewer lateral video inspection prior to residents’ reoccupying homes. If you discover that a sewer lateral is plugged or possibly damaged, you should contact your builder or hire a qualified contractor to clean, clear and perform a video inspection of the lateral. This work may resolve the plugging problem and should also identify any potential damage or defects in the sewer lateral. Please contact the City’s Rebuilding Permit Center at 707-543-4649 to report any damage or nonstandard repairs to portions of the lower sewer lateral under the public sidewalk or street that are identified as part of a video inspection.
2 Additional information regarding the Santa Rosa rebuilding effort available online: SRCity.org/Rebuild │ SonomaCountyRecovers.org 2/6/2020