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1. Click here for answers to Frequently Asked Questions about sewers, manhole covers, repairs, and backups.

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Show All Answers

1. I have slow drainage through my toilets, showers, and sinks. What can I do about it?

If you are experiencing slow drainage, there is likely an issue with your private sewer lateral. Many times, it is caused by offset joints, root blockages, or grease blockages in your sewer lateral. The District has a Lateral Replacement Grant Program that can help you pay for a significant share of the cost for qualifying applications. If neighbors are having similar slow drainage, there is a chance that there is a problem in the public sewer main. For service call the district at 415-259-2949. If neighbors are not having a problem, you may need to call a plumbing company.

2. Which sewer pipe is the property owner's responsibility?

The property owner is responsible for the side sewer (lateral) pipe that runs from the building to the public sanitary sewer main. This includes both the portion on private property and the portion located beneath the sidewalk and street up to, and including, the connection point where the lateral connects to the public sanitary sewer main.

3. How can I find my private sewer pipe on my property?

There are several ways to locate your private side sewer (lateral). Start by calling the District at 415-259-2949 and we will check to see if we have any diagrams or information on file for your property. If not, you may need to contact a plumbing company that will sometimes use closed circuit TV (CCTV) camera to view your pipe and determine its location and path to the public sewer line.

4. When is a sewer permit required?

Sewer permits are required for the following:

• Replacement, repair, or alterations to sewer lateral
• New construction: residential or commercial
• Transfer from a septic tank to the public sewer
• Demolition and re-construction of a home with an existing sewer connection
• Accidental burn-down replacement 
  • Permits are provided at no cost if secured within one year and with the same house footprint (otherwise demolition/re-construction requirements will apply). 
  • Please Note: Property owners or contractor should contact the District to arrange for a District Inspector to approve the installation before backfilling and to make a record for the District's file. Please call the Ross Valley Sanitary District at 415-259-2949 for more information.

Please refer to Regulations and Forms for an "Application for Private Sewer Connection Permit and Requirements" or call the Ross Valley Sanitary District at 415-259-2949 for more information.

5. When making repairs, how can I avoid damage to other utility lines?

When digging to make sewer repairs, it is very important to know where other utilities are located so that damage can be avoided. Most utility companies belong to a locating service called Underground Service Alert (USA). When you contact USA at 800-227-2600, or 811, they will notify the utility companies that you are planning to dig and come out (free of charge) to mark the location of utility lines.

6. What can I do about sewer odors?

Try to determine if the odor is coming from inside the house or outside in the street. If an odor is coming from inside the home, there may be a problem with the internal plumbing system. Check your internal system first or call a plumbing company for assistance. If the problem exists outdoors, call the District at 415-259-2949 for service.

7. Which permit is required for repairs in the street?

If a sewer lateral repair involves digging in a street or other public right-of-way, an encroachment permit is required. You can obtain an encroachment permit from the agency that maintains the street, which in most cases is your town or city. Call your local Public Works Department for more information.

8. There is a manhole cover in my neighborhood that rattles and continues to irritate me every time a vehicle rolls over it. What can I do about it?

The District has two main types of sewer structures:

1. Manholes that vary in size from 25 inches  to 42 inches  in diameter and
2. Rodding inlets which are round or oval and ranges in size from 9 inches  to 18 inches 

Both structures have solid covers and are normally imprinted with "Sanitary Sewer" on top. Occasionally, there may be a separation between the base and the cover of the manhole or rodding inlet causing the cover to rattle when a vehicle rolls over it. To report a rattling manhole or rodding inlet cover, call the District at 415-259-2949.

9. My side sewer or sewer main was broken by a contractor or utility. What should I do?

The District repairs broken side sewer connections to mains and sewer mains that are broken by private contractors or utilities (MMWD, page&E, Public Works, etc.). The contractor or utility is responsible for notifying the District immediately. Residents should call the District at 415-259-2949. It is important that you are prepared to provide the address or location, pipe size, length of broken pipe, and pipe material so that the dispatched crew will have the proper supplies to repair the pipe.

10. Sewage is overflowing from a sewer structure onto the ground, driveway and/or street. What should I do?

There are three distinct types of sewer/stormwater structures that may call for three different responses:

1. Overflow Devices are usually located near buildings or above sewer mains, which typically run under streets. They may have a lid or mushroom cap on top. Their purpose is to allow sewage from a plugged sewer pipe or sewer main to overflow outside of the building or from the main. If you suspect the overflow is being caused by a blocked side sewer pipe (lateral) that runs from your home or your building, contact a plumbing company. If you see a spill coming from the street or near creeks or open spaces, it may be from a sewer main. Please contact the District at 415-259-2949.
2. Manhole Structures are usually located in the middle of the street and provide access for cleaning and pipe inspection. The District’s manhole structures vary in diameter from 25 inches  to 42 inches  and are normally imprinted "Sanitary Sewer"  on top. To report an overflowing sewer manhole, call the District at 415-259-2949.
3. Storm Drains carry rainwater only and are usually under curb openings in the gutter. They are usually covered with a grated or slotted piece of metal. Contact your local Public Works Department or the Marin County Department of Public Works at 415-499-6570 to report problems with storm drains.

11. Sewage is backing up into my house/building through overflowing toilets, sinks, bathtubs, dishwasher, and/or washing machine. What should I do?

If you are not using your household water outlets, there may be a problem in the public sewer main. Call the District’s 24-hour customer help line at 415-259-2949 to request service. If your household water outlets are being used, turn them off to stop the running water. This indicates a possible problem in your side sewer (lateral). You’ll need to call a plumbing company as the district is only responsible for public sewer pipes.

Constant Overflow

If the overflow is constant, remove the cap on the cleanout or overflow device (if present) located outside the building. Use towels, sheets, rags, etc. to keep the sewage from spreading and damaging other parts of the house.