Sewer Lateral Policy
TREE RELATED SEWER LATERAL PROBLEMS
The Streetscape Division does not remove trees for sewer problems. The City policy on sewer laterals (from the house to where it hooks up to the City main sewer line) is that the homeowner is responsible for the maintenance and repair of the lateral line, as well as having an inspector verify the root/sewer damage. The City will pay for damage to the lateral line only when the line has been exposed, inspected and verified by a Streetscape Supervisor that the damage was caused by a City-owned tree. The City will not pay for sections of the existing line that are not damaged by tree roots, or upgrades to the system such as clean-outs or back-flow valves.
If you are having problems with the lateral, it could mean that the line is broken or separated at a joint in the line. If you have roots in the line, the inspection procedure will verify if the roots are in fact from a City-owned tree. The roots can be from a tree or vegetation in your yard, or your neighbor's yard, or even from trees that may have been removed over five years in the past.
Removing a tree or shrubbery, whether it's City-owned or privately owned, will not solve the problem. Once a line is broken, roots can enter the line from any source, or soil can enter the line. By City Code, if a City-owned street tree is removed for any reason, it must be replaced.
PERMITS REQUIRED TO REPAIR A SEWER LATERAL
- Construction and Excavation permit: This permit is required for any work done in the public right-of-way. For additional information, please call the Engineering Department at 310-618-5898
- Plumbing permit for "Alter Building Sewer":This permit is required for on-site repairs from the building line to the property line. For additional information, call the Building and Safety Dept. at 1-310-618-5910
PROCEDURE TO FILE A CLAIM FOR SEWER LATERAL LINE DAMAGE
- Claim forms may be picked up from the Risk Management Division in the City Personnel Building located at 3231 Torrance Blvd. You can also obtain a form at the City Clerk's office, located at 3031 Torrance Blvd. In addition, you can have a claim form mailed to you by calling the Risk Management Division at 1-310-618-2950.
- Obtain at least two written estimates of repair costs, including City permit fees, and attach to the completed claim form.
- Notify the Streetscape Division, at 1-310-781-6900, one day before any work is started and give the approximate time that the line will be exposed for inspection by a Public Works Supervisor. Business hours are Monday-Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Friday from 7:30 to 4:30.
- After the line has been inspected and photographed, mail or deliver the completed claim form and repair bill to the City Clerk's office.
- If emergency repairs must be made when the Public Works Department is closed, a Public Works Supervisor may be contacted by calling the Torrance Police Department at 1-310-328-3456.
