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

Slow drainage is most often caused by an issue with your private sewer lateral such as offset joints, or blockages caused by roots or grease. For help addressing problems with defective private sewer laterals, please contact a licensed plumbing contractor. Make sure any plumber you hire for a private property sewer emergency is familiar with District policies and programs.

If lateral replacement is needed you may qualify for financial assistance through our Grant and Loan Programs. If neighbors are having similar slow drainage, there may be a problem within the public sewer pipe. For service, call the District at 415-259-2949.

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

Property owners are responsible for the sewer pipe (lateral) that extends from the building to the public sewer pipeline. This includes the portion within private property and the portion located beneath the sidewalk and street up to and including where the lateral connects to the public sewer main.

The District has grant and loan funding available to property owners who require private sewer lateral replacement. View information on our Grant & Loan Programs here. For help addressing problems with defective private sewer laterals, please contact a licensed plumbing contractor. Make sure any plumber you hire for a private property sewer emergency is familiar with District policies and programs. More information on permitting and hiring a contractor can be found here.  

Property owners are responsible for the sewer pipe (lateral) that extends from the building to the public sewer pipeline. This includes the portion within private property and the portion located beneath the sidewalk and street up to and including where the lateral connects to the public sewer main. 

3. Which sewer pipe is the District's responsibility?

The District is responsible for public sewer pipelines and pump stations which collect, pump and transport wastewater to the Central Marin Sanitation Agency for treatment.  

The District’s jurisdiction includes the City of Larkspur, Town of Ross, Town of San Anselmo, Town of Fairfax, and the unincorporated areas within the boundaries including Sleepy Hollow, Kentfield, Greenbrae, Fairfax, and San Anselmo.  

Property owners are responsible for the sewer pipe (lateral) that extends from the building to the public sewer pipeline. This includes the portion within private property and the portion located beneath the sidewalk and street up to and including where the lateral connects to the public sewer main.

4. How can I find my private sewer lateral?

For help locating and addressing problems with defective private sewer laterals, please contact a licensed plumbing contractor. Make sure any plumber you hire for a private property sewer emergency is familiar with District policies and programs. Information on licensing can be found here. 

Your contractor will video the lateral to view and determine the location and path to the public sewer line. The District may have diagrams or information about your property on file. Call us at 415-259-2949 to check for records. Please note that maps or drawings received by the District are not exact or guaranteed.

5. When is a sewer permit required?

Before performing any work on a private sewer lateral, a sewer permit must be obtained.

Events requiring a Sewer Permit include but are not limited to:

• Pressure Tests
• Replacements
• Repairs & Partial Replacements
• Clean Outs, Backflow Prevention Devices, Installations, etc.
• New Connections/New Construction/Remodels
• Public Sewer Extensions
• Septic-to-Sewer Conversions
• Abandonment
• Pool Drains
• Discharge Permits

To learn more, view our Permits page.

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 odor or problem exists outdoors, call the District at 415-259-2949.

7. What can be done to fix a manhole cover that rattles every time a vehicle rolls over it?

The District has two main types of sewer access structures:

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

Both structures have solid covers with "Sanitary Sewer" normally imprinted on top. Occasionally, a separation between the base and the cover on either type of structure may cause the cover to rattle when a vehicle rolls over it. Call the District at 415-259-2949 to report a rattling manhole.

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

If you have a public sewer emergency, such as a manhole overflow, leaking pipe or smell or see sewage on the ground, please contact us immediately for 24-hour response at 415-259-2949.

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

Overflow Devices - When blockages form in the sewer main or in a private sewer lateral, wastewater can back up in the pipe create an overflow. Overflow devices prevent sewage from backing up into a building and instead release the wastewater outside into the landscape. Contact a licensed plumbing contractor if you suspect the overflow is being caused by a blocked private sewer lateral. If you see a spill coming from the street, manhole or near a creek, it may be coming from a public sewer. Contact the District immediately at 415-259-2949. For more information on overflow devices, click here.  

Manhole Structures - These are usually located in the middle of the street and provide access for pipe inspection and cleaning. The District’s manhole structures vary from 25 to 42 inches in diameter and are normally have "Sanitary Sewer" printed on top. Contact the District immediately at 415-259-2949 to report an overflow.

Storm Drains carry rainwater only and are usually under curb openings in the gutter, with a grated or slotted piece of metal cover. Contact your local Public Works Department or the Marin County Department of Public Works at 415-499-6570 to report problems with storm drains.

For more information, watch the District's "Call Us First" video to learn about what a sewer spill looks like and how to respond.

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

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 sewer (lateral). You’ll need to call a plumbing company as the District is only responsible for public sewer pipes. Use towels, sheets, rags, etc. to keep the sewage from spreading and damaging other parts of the house.

10. What should I do if my private side sewer (lateral) to a sewer main is broken by a contractor or utility company?

If you have a public sewer emergency, such as a manhole overflow, leaking pipe or smell or see sewage on the ground, please contact us immediately for 24-hour response at 415-259-2949.

The contractor or utility is responsible for notifying the District immediately if a public sewer has been hit or damaged. Residents should call the District at 415-259-2949. It is important that you are prepared to provide the address or location. Contractors should work with residents to fix/correct any damages to a private sewer lateral or other utility during private work.

PG&E Gas Line Replacements

During the installation of new gas lines by Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E), some private sewer laterals may have been pierced or completely bored through - known as a cross bore. Underground Service Alert (USA) does not typically mark private sewer laterals when out marking utilities. As a result, cross bores may go undetected and create a potentially hazardous situation. For gas line cross bore information, visit PG&E's website. A review of a closed-circuit television (CCTV) inspection should also include looking for evidence of cross bore. If you suspect a gas line cross bore, call PG&E at 800-743-5000. If you suspect a gas leak, warn inhabitants, evacuate the area and call 911 and PG&E at 800-743-5000.

REMEMBER: CALL USA NORTH 811 BEFORE YOU DIG.

11. I plan to sell my property. What do I need to know before selling?

Property owners must obtain a Certificate of Compliance from the District for any of the following conditions: buying or selling a property, remodeling in excess of $75,000, or adding a bathroom. 

1. Seller coordinates video inspection to determine the private sewer lateral (lateral) condition.  
2. Seller and buyer negotiate who will bring the lateral into compliance.  
3. The one who assumes responsibility will have 90 days from close of escrow for compliance.  

More information on steps for compliance can be found on our Compliance webpage.  

12. I plan to remodel my property. What do I need to know before remodeling?

Property owners must obtain a Certificate of Compliance from the District for any of the following conditions: buying or selling a property, remodeling in excess of $75,000, or adding a bathroom. 

Remodels projects may owe sewer capacity fees depending on the number of drainage fixture units being added to the property.   

1. Submit a set of plans to plans@rvsd.org.   
2. The District will review and provide comments.
3. If Compliance is required, a sewer permit will need to be obtained with applicable fees.

More information on steps for compliance can on our Compliance webpage.

Outdoor Drainage Fixtures (Showers & Sinks)

To prevent rainwater from entering our system, outdoor showers and sinks will require proper coverage to comply with District standards. Please include coverage details in the plans submitted for District review.

13. I recently purchased my property. How long do I have for compliance?

Properties must be brought to code 90 days from close of escrow. Owners will receive automated notice letters in the mail. If you are experiencing delays and cannot make the 90-day window, you may email info@rvsd.org with a status update to avoid fees/penalties.

14. I need to replace my sewer lateral. Does the District offer funding?

Yes, the District has grant and loan funding available. Prior to performing sewer work, property owners must review both programs; Individuals can only apply for one program. Please note the application process differs. More information on funding programs and eligibility can be found by visiting our Grant & Loan Program webpage.