HOME LEARN ABOUT YOUR SEWER CONNECTION AM I AT RISK? SEWER SMART TIPS WHAT TO DO IF I HAVE A BACKUP PARTICIPANTS CONTACT
Be Sewer Smart! A homeowner's "How-To" guide See how backups occur There are two types of sewers in the Bay Area: 1 - the storm sewer Collects storm water from street drains and house gutters Eventually leads to the Bay 2 - the sanitary sewer Carries wastewater (sewage) Is connected to your home's plumbing fixtures (toilets, sinks, laundry) Leads to a sewage treatment plant Your home's sewer is connected to the sewer "main" (large pipe often running under the street) via a "lateral" pipe extending from the home (upper lateral), across the property line (lower lateral) and then into the main. In many communities homeowners are responsible for maintaining the "upper" lateral that runs under their property. The city or sewer district is responsible for maintaining the "lower" lateral and the main. In other communities, homeowners must maintain the entire lateral. Find out more about sewer backup prevention and sewer smart maintenance tips. Was your home built after 1962? In Bay Area homes built or remodeled after 1962, sewer systems have a cleanout for clearing obstructions in the lateral and a sewer relief device as required by local building codes.