Here are some frequently asked questions regarding the City of Davis wastewater (or sewer) system:

Q. Are flushable wipes flushable?

A. Flushable wipes are not flushable!  Although the packaging may state that wipes are flushable, that is not always accurate.  Wipes do not break down like toilet paper, causing havoc on your septic or sewer system.  When flushed down the toilet, wipes can cause major backups and clogs within the sewer lines. The toilet is not a trash can, so place wipes where they belong--in a real trash can. Additional information on non-flushable items can be found here: Think Before You Flush (PDF)

Q. What is a sewer lateral?

A. A sewer lateral is a pipe that carries wastewater (indoor water coming from toilets, washing machines, sinks, showers, etc.) from homes or businesses to the mainline sewer. The sewer lateral consists of upper lateral and service lateral (also called lower lateral) from the property line to the street. The mainline sewer is usually located under the street; it may also be located under an alley or in an easement on private property.

Q. I have a sewer back-up. Will the City fix it?

A.  If you are experiencing slow draining or an overflow due to a sewer backup, it is requested that you contact the City of Davis Public Works Utilities and Operations Department by phone at (530) 757-5686 between the hours of 7am and 3:30pm or by the City’s Police Department non-emergency line after hours at (530) 747-5400.  This will allow City staff to assess the situation as soon as possible, and to correct the problem - if it is in the sections of the pipe system maintained by the City - at no cost to the resident.

Calling the City directly can help to ensure as limited a delay as possible in responding, as City personnel do respond to all sanitary sewer calls from residents regardless of whether the resident initially calls the plumbing contractor or the City.

More information on reporting sewer backups can be found here: Sewer Backup Information

Q. Is maintenance of my sewer lateral my responsibility?

A. The property owner has the sole responsibility for clearing stoppages, inspecting, maintaining and repairing the upper sewer service lateral to avoid negative impacts to the operation and maintenance of the City’s sewer system. It’s the City’s responsibility to maintain service (lower) laterals. Typically, the responsibility delineation between the upper and service (lower) lateral is just past the upper lateral connection to the cleanout, which is usually located just behind the sidewalk on the property.

For additional sewer maintenance responsibility information click on the following link: Sewer Maintenance Responsibilities PDF

Q. My sewer line is in my backyard, who is responsible for the maintenance of this sewer line?

A. The City does not have service cleanouts nor service laterals in backyards. The property owner is responsible for any sewer lateral maintenance in backyards.

For additional backyard easement maintenance information and diagram click on the following link: Sewer Maintenance Responsibilities PDF

Q. My plumbing contractor informed me that there is a stoppage in my backyard sewer on the City side. Will the City clear the stoppage?

A. The City does not have service laterals in backyards, therefore the responsibility for repair in this situation would fall on the property owner.  If there are roots and or damage to the lateral, it will need to be cleared and or repaired by the property owner. If the problem is at the connection to the service lateral cleanout or the service lateral, the property owner/contractor will need an encroachment permit in order to expose the pipe for repair.

Q. My plumbing contractor says there are roots on the city side of the sewer lateral located in my front yard. What should I do?

A. Contact the City of Davis Public Works Utilities and Operations Department by phone at (530) 757-5686 between the hours of 8am and 5:00pm or by the City’s Police Department non-emergency line after hours at (530) 747-5400. The City will dispatch a crew to inspect the line and assess the lateral. If there are roots in the line they will be cleared.

Q. Why won’t the City clear the stoppage from my building cleanout (upper lateral)?

A. The upper lateral is privately owned and could be built from several different types of materials utilized by contractors over the years. The City’s cleaning equipment is quite aggressive and is designed for use in vitrified clay pipe. Depending on the type of material used in the upper lateral, the City’s equipment may damage the line.

Q. What should I do if my sewer backs up at night or on a weekend?

A. You can contact the City’s Police Department non-emergency line after hours or on weekends/holidays at 530-747-5400 and they will contact the City’s standby personnel.

Q. Can the City recommend a plumbing contractor?

A. City employees are not permitted to recommend a specific plumbing contractor. Helpful information on finding (and hiring) a reliable contractor is provided to consumers by the California Contractors State License Board.

Q. What type of permit is required in order to repair an upper laterals connection to the service lateral? How do I get the permit?

A. The City’s Building Division in the Department of Community Development and Sustainability issues permits for work on private property. They can be reached at 530-757-5610 or by email at cddweb@cityofdavis.org.

The City’s Public Works Engineering and Transportation Department issues encroachment permits for work within the public right of way, including work done near to sewer service laterals. Contact the department at 530-747-5846 or by email at PW-Permits@cityofdavis.org.

Q. If a City-owned tree causes root intrusion or damage to a upper sewer lateral, who is responsible for cleaning or repairing the lateral?

A. In the City of Davis, property owners are responsible for maintaining and repairing the upper sewer lateral even if the source of root intrusion or damage is partly or entirely from trees planted on public right of way. Helpful information about city-owned trees can be found here: Urban Forestry