All household plumbing (the drains from sinks, showers, toilets, etc.) is attached to a sewer lateral line. This line carries wastewater from the house to the City's sewer system line in the street. Care and maintenance of the sewer lateral line to the property line is the responsibility of the homeowner. The City of Riverside owns and operates the lower sewer lateral extending from the property line or City easement boundary to the point of connection to the mainline, and limited to those laterals where a cleanout has been installed at the property line per the diagram below:
Periodic cleaning and inspection are essential to keeping household wastewater flowing! If there is an issue with your sewer line and a licensed plumber or contractor determines the problem is caused by the City's portion of the line, then you should immediately contact the 3-1-1 Call Center. City Staff will be dispatched to investigate the issue.
View the City's residential lateral policy brochure: English | Español