What is a sewer lateral, and what responsibilities do you have as a home owner?
When people think about home maintenance, they usually picture roofs, foundations, or HVAC systems. But one of the most overlooked — and most expensive — components of a property is the sewer lateral.
Whether you’re buying, selling, or simply maintaining your home, understanding the sewer lateral can save you from surprise repairs, failed inspections, and costly emergencies
A sewer lateral is the underground pipe that connects a home’s plumbing to the public sewer main in the street. It’s the homeowner’s responsibility to maintain, repair, and replace this pipe, even though part of it often runs under sidewalks or driveways.
Most sewer laterals are decades old. In many Bay Area cities, they were installed 50–80 years ago using materials that deteriorate over time, such as clay or cast iron.
Did you know that plumbing drains use what is called a sanitary tee? When another pipe connects to a pipe the T-joint has to have a curved connection.
