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1. What can I do about slow drainage through my toilets, showers and sinks?

Slow drainage is most often caused by an issue with your private side sewer pipe (lateral), such as offset joints, or inside blockages caused by roots or grease. The District has a Lateral Replacement Grant Program that can help you pay for a significant share of the cost for qualifying applications. If neighbors are having similar slow drainage, there may be a problem within the public sewer pipes. For service call the District at 415-259-2949. If neighbors are not having a problem, you may need to call a plumbing company.

2. Which sewer pipe is the property owner's responsibility?

Property owners are responsible for the side sewer pipe (lateral) that extends from the building to the public sewer pipeline. This includes both the portion within private property and the portion located beneath the sidewalk and street up to, and including where the lateral connects to the public sewer pipeline.

3. How can I find a side sewer pipe (lateral) on my private property?

Start by calling the District at 415-259-2949. We will check to see if any diagrams or information about your property are on file. If not, you may need to contact a licensed plumbing company that may use a closed circuit TV camera (CCTV) to view and determine your side sewer pipe (lateral) location and path to the public sewer line.

4. When is a sewer permit required?

Sewer permits are required for the following:

• Replacement, repair, or alterations to an existing side sewer pipe (lateral) on private property
• New construction: residential or commercial requiring a sewer lateral
• Transfer from a septic tank to the public sewer
• Demolition and re-construction of a home with an existing sewer lateral connection
• Accidental burn-down replacement 
  • Permits are provided at no cost if secured within one year and with the same house footprint (otherwise demolition/re-construction requirements will apply). 
  • Please Note: Property owners or contractor should contact the District to arrange for a District Inspector to approve the installation before back-filling and to create a record for the District's file. Please call the District at 415-259-2949 for more information.

Please refer to Regulations and Forms for an "Application for Private Sewer Connection Permit and Requirements" or call the District at 415-259-2949 for more information.

5. How can I avoid damage to other utility lines when making repairs?

Before making any sewer repair, always know where other utility lines are located BEFORE you begin digging so that damage can be avoided. Most utility companies belong to a locating service called Underground Service Alert (USA). Contact USA at 800-227-2600, or at 811 and they will notify the appropriate utility companies to come out (free of charge) to mark the location of existing utility lines before you dig.

6. What can I do about sewer odors?

Try to determine if the odor is coming from inside the house or outside in the street. If an odor is coming from inside the home, there may be a problem with the internal plumbing system. Check your internal system first or call a plumbing company for assistance. If the odor or problem exists outdoors, call the District at 415-259-2949 for service.

7. What can be done to fix a manhole cover that rattles every time a vehicle rolls over it?

The District has two main types of sewer structures:

1. Manholes that vary in size from 25 to 42 inches in diameter and
2. Rodding inlets which are round or oval and vary in size from 9 to 18 inches in diameter

Both structures have solid covers with "Sanitary Sewer" normally imprinted on top. Occasionally, a separation between the base and the cover on either type of structure may cause the cover to rattle when a vehicle rolls over it. Call the District at 415-259-2949 to report a rattling manhole or rodding inlet cover.

8. What kind of permit is required for private side sewer (lateral) repairs in the street?

An encroachment permit is required if a private side sewer (lateral) repair involves digging in a street or other public right-of-way. You can obtain an encroachment permit from the agency that maintains the street, which in most cases is your town or city. Call your local Public Works Department for more information.

9. What should I do if my private side sewer (lateral) to a sewer main is broken by a contractor or utility?

The District repairs private sewer lateral connections to sewer pipelines that are broken by private contractors or utilities (MMWD, PG&E, Public Works, etc.). The contractor or utility is responsible for notifying the District immediately. Residents should call the District at 415-259-2949. It is important that you are prepared to provide the address or location, pipe size, length of broken pipe, and pipe material so +the dispatched crew will have the proper supplies to repair the pipe.

10. What should I do if sewage is overflowing from a sewer structure onto the ground, driveway and/or street?

There are three distinct types of sewer/stormwater structures that may call for three different responses:

1. Overflow Devices are usually located near buildings or above the sewer mains (which typically run under streets). They may have a lid or mushroom cap on top and allow sewage from a plugged sewer pipe or sewer main to overflow outside of the building or from the main. Contact a licensed plumbing company if you suspect the overflow is being caused by a blocked private side sewer pipe (lateral) that extends from your home or your building to the public sewer. If you see a spill coming from the street or near creeks or open spaces, it may be coming from a sewer main. Please contact the District at 415-259-2949.
2. Manhole Structures are usually located in the middle of the street and provide access for pipe inspection and cleaning. The District’s manhole structures vary from 25 to 42 inches in diameter and are normally have "Sanitary Sewer" printed on top. Call the District at 415-259-2949 to report an overflowing sewer manhole.
3. Storm Drains carry rainwater only and are usually under curb openings in the gutter, with a grated or slotted piece of metal cover. Contact your local Public Works Department or the Marin County Department of Public Works at 415-499-6570 to report problems with storm drains.

11. What should I do if sewage is backing up into my house or building through overflowing toilets, sinks, bathtubs, dishwasher, and/or washing machine?

If you are not using your household water outlets, there may be a problem in the public sewer main. Call the District’s 24-hour customer help line at 415-259-2949 to request service. If your household water outlets are being used, turn them off to stop the running water. This indicates a possible problem in your side sewer (lateral). You’ll need to call a plumbing company as the district is only responsible for public sewer pipes.

Constant Overflow

If the overflow is constant, remove the cap on the clean-out or overflow device (if available) located outside the building. Use towels, sheets, rags, etc. to keep the sewage from spreading and damaging other parts of the house.