elect to replace the entire upper sewer lateral
Q: Whose responsibility is the then a video will not be required prior to
PRIVATE LATERAL REPLACEMENT
PROGRAM
This brochure is intended to answer the most
common questions about the Sewerage
Agency of Southern Marin’s private lateral
replacement program.
Q: What is an “upper sewer lateral?”
A: “sewer lateral” is that portion of the
sanitary sewer line which connects a house’s
or business’ plumbing to the public sewer
system. Typically, most—but not all—of the
“upper sewer lateral” is on private property,
while the other portions of the sewer system,
the “lower sewer lateral” and the “sewer
main,” are entirely in the public right-of-way.
Q.: Why is SASM concerned about the
condition of the upper sewer lateral?
A: Upper sewer laterals which are in poor
condition present two problems: (1) faulty
sewer lines can leak raw sewage in the
ground, which is a public health hazard; (2)
storm water can invade poorly sealed sewer
lines and can overload the sewer system,
causing blockage and backups, and can
occasionally overload SASM’s wastewater
treatment facilities, resulting in the discharge
of untreated sewage in the Bay.
Q: What are the problems associated
with SASM’S upper sewer laterals?
A: Many homes in SASM service area were
built before 1970. These homes often have
never had their original sewer laterals
replaced. Over time, these pipelines,
generally made of clay, can crack, become
disjointed, experience displacement, and/or
be subjected to intrusion by tree roots, all of
which can cause leakage and blockage. In
addition, some sewer laterals lack the right
kind of “cleanout” which provides access for
clearing blockages.
maintenance of the upper sewer
lateral?
A: In the SASM service area, as in nearly
all local jurisdictions, the maintenance of
the upper sewer lateral, up to and
including the cleanout at the curb, is the
responsibility of the private property
owner. Each Sanitary District is
responsible for the upkeep of the sewer
main and the lower lateral, which connects
the upper lateral to the main.
Q: At what point(s) am I required to
repair or replace my upper sewer
lateral?
A: You may voluntarily choose to repair or
replace your upper sewer lateral at any
time you feel it necessary (for example, if
you experiencing frequent sewer
backups).
SASM is developing an Ordinance that will
require lateral repairs or replacement
based on age or at the time of sale of the
property.
Q: Are there funds available to help
pay for a later sewer line
replacement?
A: Yes. SASM is required by the
Administrative Order issued by the San
Francisco Regional Water Quality Control
Board to provide grants and low interest
loans to assist the property owner with
inspections and repairs. Detailed
information about the grants and low
interest loans are available through SASM
by calling 388-2402.
Q: Do I absolutely need to have a
video made of my sewer?
A: The point of a sewer video is to
demonstrate that the sewer lateral is in
compliance, or to identify specific
problems which can be repaired. In order
to qualify for a grant or loan, a video
inspection is required. However, if you
replacement.
Q: Where do I find a contractor to repair or
replace my upper sewer lateral?
A: SASM will provide a list of pre-qualified,
licensed contractors. If you wish to check a
contractor’s license, you may do so with the
State Contractors License Board, using their
toll free number or Web site (see Useful
Phone Numbers). Most of these contractors
are also able to make sewer videos.
Q: Why does SASM require an air test
on the repaired or replaced upper
sewer lateral?
A: It has determined that an air pressure
test, which requires the pipe to be able to
hold 4 psi for 10 minutes, is the best way to
ensure that the line is free of leakage.
Q: The upper sewer lateral on my
property has been repaired or replaced
and a Certificate of Compliance has
been issued. How low is the Certificate
good for?
A: SASM has determined that, given the
quality of modern sewer pipe technology, the
Certificate of Compliance, once issued, will
be honored for 20 years. In most cases,
therefore, the owner of the property will not
be required to obtain another Certification of
Compliance for 20 years, even if the property
is sold, or major improvements are made to
the house.
The Sewerage Agency of Southern
Marin, greatly appreciates the
cooperation which property owners,
contractors have extended to date in
helping SASM to modernize its sewer
system and protect the health and
safety of the residents of Southern
Marin County.

Useful Phone Numbers

Sewerage Agency of
Southern Marin
415-388-2402

SASM Member Agencies:

Almonte S.D: 388-8775

Alto Sanitary S.D: 388-3696
Homestead Valley S.D.: 388-4796
City of Mill Valley: 388-4033
Richardson Bay S.D.: 388-1345
Tamalpais Community S.D.: 388-
6393

CA State License Board: 800-321-

CSLB
 Sewerage Agency of
Southern Marin (SASM)
Private Lateral
Replacement Project

SASM
SEWERAGE AGENCY OF
SOUTHERN MARIN

Almonte Sanitary District

Alto Sanitary District
Homestead Valley Sanitary District
City of Mill Valley
Richardson Bay Sanitary District
Tamalpais Community Services District

Sewerage Agency of Southern Marin

26 Corte Madera Ave.
Mill Valley, CA 94941

(415) 388-2402
Fax: (415) 381-8128
email: SASM@cityofmillvalley.org