Private lateral, public main

Wastewater from a house flows through the building drain, out through the private lateral and into a public sewer main, usually under the street. The city maintains the public main. The lateral that serves your house is generally the owner's responsibility to maintain and repair.

The exact boundary varies from one city to another, and sometimes from one property to another. It may sit at the property line, at a cleanout, or at the connection to the main. Because it affects who pays for what, confirm it with the city of La Habra for your address rather than relying on a general rule.

The pieces of the line

Building drain
Inside or under the house; owner's responsibility
Private lateral
From the house to the public sewer; generally owner's responsibility
Connection to the main
Responsibility varies; confirm with the city
Public main
City-maintained sewer under the street

Before sewer work starts

  1. Ask the city

    Contact the city of La Habra about permits for the planned work and where owner responsibility ends at your address.

  2. Agree who pulls the permit

    Usually the licensed contractor obtains it. Get that in writing in the contract.

  3. Mark utilities

    Underground utilities should be located and marked before excavation.

  4. Plan inspection

    Find out when an inspector needs to see the work, often before backfill.

  5. Keep the paperwork

    Save the permit, inspection sign-off, invoice and before and after video together.

Who to call first

  • IfSewage is overflowing from a manhole in the streetThenContact the city of La Habra.
  • IfSeveral neighbors are backing up at the same timeThenContact the city; the public main may be involved.
  • IfOnly your house is affectedThenCall a licensed plumber; the problem is usually in your lateral.
  • IfA camera shows the defect at or past the property lineThenShare the footage with the city and ask about responsibility.

Questions for the city

  1. Where does owner responsibility for the sewer lateral end at my address?
  2. What permit does lateral repair or replacement need?
  3. Is an inspection required before the trench is backfilled?
  4. Are there requirements for cleanouts or backflow devices on sewer work?

Questions for the contractor

  1. Will you obtain the permit, and is the fee in your price?
  2. Does your work stop at the property line or include the connection?
  3. What is your CSLB license number?

Common questions

Do I need a permit to replace my sewer line?

Sewer replacement generally requires a permit, but check with the city of La Habra for the specific work you are planning.

Will the city fix a root problem in my lateral?

Usually not, since the lateral is generally the owner's. Ask the city if roots come from a street tree or if the defect is near the connection.

What if a contractor offers to skip the permit?

Unpermitted work can cause trouble with inspections, insurance and resale. It is a reason to be cautious about that contractor.

General information for La Habra, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.