Your line, the city's main
A sewer lateral connects the plumbing in your house to the public sewer main, which usually runs under the street. The lateral is generally the property owner's responsibility to maintain and repair. Exactly where that responsibility ends, whether at the property line, the sidewalk, a cleanout or the connection at the main, is defined by the city and can differ from one city to the next.
That boundary matters for trenchless work. A bursting or lining run may extend toward the street, under the parkway or sidewalk, where city rules on work in the public right-of-way can apply. Ask the City of Fullerton how your section is defined before you sign, rather than relying on a contractor's general description.
What to confirm with the city
- Ownership
- Where your lateral responsibility ends
- Permit
- Whether your job needs one and who applies
- Inspection
- When the inspector needs to see the work
- Right-of-way
- Rules for digging in the parkway or sidewalk
- Trees
- What applies to parkway tree roots
Getting the permit side right
- Ask who pulls the permit.Many homeowners expect the contractor to handle it. Get that commitment in writing in the estimate.
- Check the contractor's license.Look up the CSLB license number at cslb.ca.gov and confirm it is active and in an appropriate classification for the work.
- Confirm inspection timing.Ask when inspections happen, for example before pits are backfilled, so nothing is covered too early.
- Keep the paperwork.Save the permit, the inspection sign-off and the final camera video together with your house records.
Paperwork to ask your contractor for
- The CSLB license number and the name on the license
- Proof of the permit, if one is required, before work begins
- A written scope naming which part of the lateral is being replaced
- Inspection sign-off when the job is complete
- The before and after camera videos
Questions to ask the City of Fullerton
- Where does the homeowner's sewer responsibility end on my street?
- Does replacing or lining my lateral require a permit?
- Are there rules for work in the parkway or sidewalk area?
- Who should I call if the problem appears to be in the city main?
Common questions
If the city main is the problem, do I pay for it?
Problems in the public main are generally the city's to address. If the camera suggests the blockage is in the main, contact the City of Fullerton.
Do I need a permit for lining if nothing is dug?
Do not assume lining is exempt. Ask the City of Fullerton whether your specific job needs a permit.
What if I live in a neighboring city?
Anaheim, Brea, Placentia and other nearby cities set their own rules. Check with the city where the property is located.
General information for Fullerton, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.