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Default rule and exceptions
Owner is responsible for the Building Sewer (building to property line); Long Beach Utilities is responsible for the House Connection (property line to main), including repairs, but will not investigate until the owner clears their own segment and provides an accessible cleanout.
| Party | What they are responsible for |
|---|---|
| Property owner | LBWD Rules 1406: "The property owner is responsible for ensuring sewage flow through the Building Sewer extending from the building to the property line, including the investigation and repair of the line," and must first inspect/clear their segment and "provide an accessible 4-inch cleanout" before the utility investigates. |
| City / public agency | LBWD Rules 1406: "The Department is responsible for ensuring sewage flow through the House Connection, extending from the property line to the sewer main within the public right-of-way, including repairs to the House Connection." |
| Exceptions | Utility repairs the property-line-to-main segment, but only after the owner clears their own upstream segment and provides an accessible cleanout |
What the source says
Last verified against the primary source on Sep 7, 2026.
The Department is responsible for ensuring sewage flow through the House Connection, extending from the property line to the sewer main within the public right-of-way, including repairs to the House Connection.
The property owner is responsible for ensuring sewage flow through the Building Sewer extending from the building to the property line, including the investigation and repair of the line,
provide an accessible 4-inch cleanout
City rules rest on state law. Read California's sidewalk statute, quoted verbatim, or see all 50 states in one table.
Common questions
Who pays for sewer lateral in Long Beach, CA?
Responsibility is shared. LBWD Rules 1406: "The property owner is responsible for ensuring sewage flow through the Building Sewer extending from the building to the property line, including the investigation and repair of the line," and must first inspect/clear their segment and "provide an accessible 4-inch cleanout" before the utility investigates.
Are there exceptions in Long Beach, CA?
Utility repairs the property-line-to-main segment, but only after the owner clears their own upstream segment and provides an accessible cleanout
Is there any cost help for sewer lateral in Long Beach, CA?
Utility repairs the property-line-to-main segment, but only after the owner clears their own upstream segment and provides an accessible cleanout
What is this based on for Long Beach, CA?
This verdict is sourced to Long Beach Utilities Rules Sec. 1406, Sewer Lateral Responsibility (owner upper, utility lower) and 5 sources in total, each independently re-checked before publication.
Sources
- Long Beach Utilities Rules Sec. 1406, Sewer Lateral Responsibility (owner upper, utility lower)official · verified-official · accessed 2026-09-07
- Long Beach Utilities: Sewer (consumer summary of the split)official · research-cited · accessed 2026-09-07
- Long Beach Water Department Rules and Regulations (2024), Section 1406: Sewer Lateral Responsibilityofficial-guide · verified-primary · accessed 2026-09-27
- Long Beach Water Department Rules and Regulations (2024), Section 1406: Sewer Lateral Responsibilityofficial-guide · verified-primary · accessed 2026-09-27
- Long Beach Water Department Rules and Regulations (2024), Section 1406: Sewer Lateral Responsibilityofficial-guide · verified-primary · accessed 2026-09-27
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