If the repair is yours to pay
Get more than one quote before you agree to a price, and ask the contractor to confirm where the property line and the public side begin.
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Default rule and exceptions
Split by segment: the owner is responsible for the "upper lateral" on private property; SacSewer owns and manages the "lower lateral" in the public right-of-way or utility easement.
| Party | What they are responsible for |
|---|---|
| Property owner | SacSewer: "Property owners are responsible for the private sewer pipe serving your property, which is called an “upper lateral.” It connects your home to a “lower lateral” owned and managed by SacSewer." |
| City / public agency | SacSewer: "The upper lateral is located entirely on your private property, while the lower lateral is located within the public right of way (under the sidewalk and street) or the utility easement (typically along the rear edge of your property)." |
| Exceptions | None on record |
What the source says
Last verified against the primary source on Sep 27, 2026.
Property owners are responsible for the private sewer pipe serving your property, which is called an “upper lateral.” It connects your home to a “lower lateral” owned and managed by SacSewer.
The upper lateral is located entirely on your private property, while the lower lateral is located within the public right of way (under the sidewalk and street) or the utility easement (typically along the rear edge of your property).
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 Sacramento, CA?
The property owner. SacSewer: "Property owners are responsible for the private sewer pipe serving your property, which is called an “upper lateral.” It connects your home to a “lower lateral” owned and managed by SacSewer."
What does the city cover in Sacramento, CA?
SacSewer: "The upper lateral is located entirely on your private property, while the lower lateral is located within the public right of way (under the sidewalk and street) or the utility easement (typically along the rear edge of your property)."
What is this based on for Sacramento, CA?
This verdict is sourced to Upper Lateral Loan Program. and 2 sources in total, each independently re-checked before publication.
Sources
- Upper Lateral Loan Program.official-guide · verified-primary · accessed 2026-09-27
- Upper Lateral Loan Program.official-guide · verified-primary · accessed 2026-09-27
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