San Francisco · homes built before 1940
Old house. Older pipes. Here's what to do.
San Francisco's housing stock is old, the lots are hilly and street trees are hard on underground pipes. Slow drains, gurgling toilets and backups are common, and cheaper to fix early.
The question everyone asks
Who is responsible for the sewer lateral?
The pipe from your house to the main in the street is the lateral. Who fixes which part — house side, sidewalk section, street connection — is the most common source of confusion and surprise bills in SF.
Read the lateral guideGuides for SF homeowners
- Drain cleaning: snaking vs. hydro-jetting→
- Sewer camera inspections→
- Sewer line repair & trenchless→
- Tree roots in your sewer line→
- Buying an older SF home: sewer checklist→
- SF neighborhoods & older sewer lines→
- Find your sewer cleanout→
- Sewer gas smell in the house→
- Why sewers back up in heavy rain→
- Who Is Responsible for the Sewer Lateral in San Francisco?→
- Sewer Backup→
- How to Prevent Drain and Sewer Clogs→
- Hiring a Drain or Sewer Company→
- How to Unclog a Toilet (and When to Stop)→
- Garage & Basement Floor Drain Backups→
- How to Clear a Kitchen Sink Clog→
- How to Clear a Shower or Tub Drain→
- Cast Iron Drain Pipes in Older Homes→
- Clay Sewer Pipes→
- What Is a 'Belly' in a Sewer Line?→
- Sewer Scope Report Glossary→
- Grease (FOG) and Commercial Kitchen Drains→
- Sewer Lateral Replacement Cost in SF→
- Sewage Ejector Pump Replacement Cost→
- Backwater Valve Installation Cost→
How this site works
- Read the guideUnderstand the problem and the likely fix before anyone quotes you.
- Get two or three quotesFrom independent, licensed local providers, written and itemized.
- Check before you hireVerify the license with the CSLB at cslb.ca.gov, read reviews from more than one source, and be wary of big cash deposits.
FAQ
Are you a plumber?
No. We're a referral and information service. We publish guides and help you get and compare quotes from independent licensed providers.
Why do my toilets gurgle?
Usually a partial blockage or a venting problem. If several fixtures gurgle or drain slowly together, suspect the main line.
Can roots really break a pipe?
Roots enter through joints and small cracks seeking moisture, then grow and widen the gap. Older clay laterals are especially vulnerable.
Do I need a camera inspection before buying a home?
For older homes it's widely recommended, because the sewer lateral usually isn't covered by a general home inspection.
Get free quotes
Most licensed providers give free written estimates. Two or three let you compare price, scope and warranty.
Thanks, we got your request.
Up to 3 local pros may contact you by phone or email about your job. If water is actively leaking or sewage is backing up, shut off the water at the main valve now.