Upper Lateral vs. Lower Lateral: Which Part of the Sewer Is Yours?

People are surprised to learn the sewer line under their front yard is theirs — not the city's. To make sense of it, the lateral (the private line from your home to the city main) is usually described in two parts.

The Upper Lateral

The upper lateral runs from your home out to the property line (or to a cleanout near it). This portion is almost always the homeowner's full responsibility — to maintain, repair, and replace.

The Lower Lateral

The lower lateral continues from the property line, under the sidewalk and street, to the connection at the city sewer main. In most Bay Area jurisdictions, this portion is also the homeowner's responsibility — even though it sits under public right-of-way. That surprises a lot of people.

What to Do

A camera inspection shows the whole lateral and locates the problem, so you know whether you are dealing with the upper or lower section before anyone digs. If your district requires certification at sale or remodel, the inspection covers both. See our sewer lateral rules hub to confirm what your district requires.