What happens after a failed sewer lateral inspection in San Mateo?
"Failed" can mean a cleaning, one repair or a full replacement. The required work is marked on your City form, and your deadline depends on why the inspection was done. Tick what your report says and get a plan.
Checked against City of San Mateo sources on
What each required-work box means
These are the boxes on the City form, in the form's own words, with what each one means for you.
On the form: “Full sewer lateral replacement”
Full lateral replacement
The pipe needs replacing from the building to the public main. This usually follows structural defects or a high total defect score on the video.
Ask: Ask each contractor to quote the same scope: full lateral, a cleanout if there is none, a new wye connection if needed, permits and street restoration.
City cost sharing can apply
On the form: “Spot Repair”
Spot repair
One section needs repair rather than the whole lateral.
Ask: Ask the contractor to show you the section on the video, and whether the rest of the pipe would pass once the repair is done.
Not covered by City cost sharing
On the form: “New connection to main”
New connection to the sewer main (wye)
The connection where your lateral joins the public main needs work. It is still part of your lateral, and it is often under the street.
Ask: Ask how the contractor will handle the encroachment permit and the street repair, and whether your street is on the City moratorium list.
Can be part of a full replacement quote
On the form: “Old P-trap removed / New cleanout installed”
Remove P-trap and install a cleanout
The lateral needs a standard building cleanout. An old P-trap at that point has to come out: the City’s passing criteria do not allow P-traps.
Ask: Ask where the new cleanout will go and whether it needs a building permit.
Can be part of a full replacement quote
On the form: “Cleaning – Jet to remove debris/deposits/blockage”
Jet cleaning
Debris, deposits or a blockage need clearing with a high-pressure jet. Cleaning removes buildup; it does not repair cracks, offsets or breaks.
Ask: If the video also showed cracks or offsets, ask how those will be handled.
Not covered by City cost sharing
On the form: “Cleaning – Root removal”
Root removal
Roots need cutting out of the pipe. Roots get in through joints and cracks, so removing them clears the line but does not seal the openings.
Ask: Ask whether the joints or cracks they came through also need a repair.
Not covered by City cost sharing
On the form: “Other”
Other work noted by the inspector
The inspector wrote in other required work.
Ask: Read the note on your form, and ask the inspector to explain it in writing.
Can be part of a full replacement quote
Sewer Lateral Inspection Form(source: Sewer Lateral Inspection Form, opens in a new tab)
Your deadline depends on why it was inspected
If a pre-sale inspection fails, the buyer and seller decide between them who handles the repair or replacement.
- Sale, seller does the work
- If the seller takes on the repair, it should be completed before the sale closes, or as otherwise arranged with the buyer. Admin Regs §II.A(vii)(source: Administrative Regulations: Private Sewer Lateral Ordinance, opens in a new tab)
- Sale, buyer does the work
- If the buyer takes on the repair, the work must meet City standards no later than 90 calendar days after the sale. Admin Regs §II.A(vi)(source: Administrative Regulations: Private Sewer Lateral Ordinance, opens in a new tab)
- Remodel or addition
- If a remodel-triggered inspection fails, the lateral must be repaired or replaced as part of the project; the building permit and certificate of occupancy are not finalized until it is. Admin Regs §II.B(iv)(source: Administrative Regulations: Private Sewer Lateral Ordinance, opens in a new tab)
- Overflow (commercial or multifamily)
- After an overflow-triggered inspection fails, the owner must repair or replace the lateral within 90 days of the overflow, or as the City otherwise specifies. Admin Regs §II.C(iv)(source: Administrative Regulations: Private Sewer Lateral Ordinance, opens in a new tab)
- Change of use (commercial)
- After a class-change inspection fails, the owner must repair or replace the lateral within 90 days. Admin Regs §II.D(v)(source: Administrative Regulations: Private Sewer Lateral Ordinance, opens in a new tab)
- Never repaired
- A failed inspection that is never repaired stays on the property file, can lead to City enforcement, and must be addressed with any future permit. Admin Regs §II.A(ix), §II.D(viii)(source: Administrative Regulations: Private Sewer Lateral Ordinance, opens in a new tab)
When cost sharing may help
For FY 2026/27 the City reimburses 50% of the lowest approved bid for a full lateral replacement, up to $2,500, while funding lasts.
Not covered: spot repairs, partial replacements, pothole repairs, additional street resurfacing, CCTV inspection and root work.
How the cost sharing program worksQuestions to ask every contractor
- Will you quote exactly the work marked on my City form, and nothing I did not ask for?
- Is the permit (and an encroachment permit, if you work in the street) included in the price?
- Does the quote include a cleanout and a new wye connection if the job needs them?
- How will you restore the yard, driveway, sidewalk or street, and is that in the price?
- Open trench or trenchless, and why that method for this lateral?
- What warranty do you give on the work, in writing?
- When can you start, and how long will the street or yard be open?
- What is your California contractor license number? (Check it on the CSLB site.)
Get repair or replacement estimates
Tell us what your report requires and your deadline. We'll follow up about next steps and how to find licensed contractors.
- A person at Baysix Media reads every request.
- Your details go to a contractor only if you tick the referral box.
- The City does not recommend plumbers or contractors. Check any contractor's license before you hire.
The request form opens soon
It isn't taking requests yet, so nothing can get lost. Until it opens: check any contractor's license before you hire, and if you're planning a full replacement, apply for City cost sharing before work starts.
City cost sharing program(City of San Mateo website, opens in a new tab)
Failed inspection questions
What happens if a lateral fails during a sale?
If a pre-sale inspection fails, the buyer and seller decide between them who handles the repair or replacement.
If the seller takes on the repair, it should be completed before the sale closes, or as otherwise arranged with the buyer.
If the buyer takes on the repair, the work must meet City standards no later than 90 calendar days after the sale.
What if I never fix a failed lateral?
A failed inspection that is never repaired stays on the property file, can lead to City enforcement, and must be addressed with any future permit.
Will cost sharing pay for a spot repair?
Not covered: spot repairs, partial replacements, pothole repairs, additional street resurfacing, CCTV inspection and root work.
Do I need a permit for the repair?
Lateral work needs City permits: a building permit for work on private property and an encroachment permit for work in the public right-of-way.
Either the contractor or the owner can pull the permits. Program participants should tell their contractor they are in the cost sharing program so it is noted on the permits.