In the City of Whittier, the property owner is responsible for maintaining and repairing the house sewer lateral, the pipe from the building to the public sewer main. The city maintains the public main. In unincorporated areas such as South Whittier and West Whittier–Los Nietos, Los Angeles County maintains the public main and the homeowner still maintains the lateral.
What is a sewer lateral?
The sewer lateral is the pipe that carries all of the waste water from your home or building to the public sewer main, which usually runs under the street or an alley. It typically begins near the foundation, often at an outdoor cleanout, and ends where it connects to the main.
When people say their "main line" is clogged, they usually mean the building drain or this lateral. Because everything in the house drains through it, a blocked lateral can back up several fixtures at once.
Who is responsible in the City of Whittier?
City of Whittier Public Works guidance, based on Chapter 13.32 of the Whittier Municipal Code, states that the property owner is responsible for the maintenance and repair of the house sewer lateral. The city maintains the public sewer main. If the city main is blocked, the city handles it; if the problem is in your lateral, you arrange the cleaning or repair.
The same guidance notes that roots get into laterals through leaks, so keeping a lateral free of cracks and loose joints is the best way to keep roots out.
What about South Whittier, West Whittier and other county areas?
Several communities with Whittier mailing addresses are unincorporated Los Angeles County, including South Whittier and West Whittier–Los Nietos, and part of East Whittier. In those areas, Los Angeles County Public Works maintains the public sewer mains. The county states that homeowners are required to maintain the lateral from their home to the main sewer line, and it lists (800) 675-HELP for sewer stoppages and spills.
| Where your property is | Public sewer main | Sewer lateral |
|---|---|---|
| City of Whittier (e.g. Uptown, Friendly Hills, Michigan Park, The Quad) | City of Whittier Public Works | Property owner |
| Unincorporated LA County (e.g. South Whittier, West Whittier–Los Nietos) | Los Angeles County Public Works | Property owner |
| Neighboring cities (e.g. parts of the Valla area in Santa Fe Springs) | That city or its sewer provider | Property owner |
Not sure which applies to you? Your property tax bill or the county assessor's records show whether your parcel is inside a city. A Whittier mailing address alone does not mean you are in the City of Whittier.
The City of Whittier lateral video requirement
In December 2016 the City of Whittier approved Ordinance No. 3059, adding Chapter 13.34 (Lateral Inspection and Repair Requirements) to the municipal code. For certain permits, the owner must submit a video of the sewer lateral for Public Works review before the permit is issued. According to the city's guidance:
- The video must start at a cleanout outside the house's foundation. If there is no cleanout, one must be installed.
- It must be high resolution, show the front of the house or project site before the camera enters the lateral, and display a visible footage counter.
- The camera should move no faster than 2 feet per 5 seconds. Only the section from about 5 feet off the house to the sewer main needs to be recorded.
- Public Works reviews whether the lateral is in good working order, without serious cracks, sags, separated joints or blockages.
- If repairs are needed, the lateral must be re-videoed after repairs and reviewed again.
The city's notice listed a review fee at the time it was published. Fees and procedures can change, so confirm the current requirements with City of Whittier Public Works before scheduling the video. A drain camera inspection can produce the recording.
What to do if your sewer backs up
- Stop using water. Do not flush, run sinks, or start the washer or dishwasher.
- Check the cleanout. If water is coming out of your outdoor cleanout, the blockage is likely between the cleanout and the street.
- Ask a neighbor. If neighbors are also backing up, the public main may be blocked. Call the city or county.
- Call for drain cleaning if the problem is on your side. See main sewer line cleaning.
- Keep people and pets away from any sewage and clean affected areas properly afterward.
Not sure which drain service you need? Describe the problem and we'll point you in the right direction.
Call (562) 245-5818Frequently asked questions
Does the City of Whittier fix sewer laterals?
No. The city maintains the public sewer main. The property owner is responsible for the house sewer lateral.
How do I know if I'm in the City of Whittier or unincorporated county?
Check your property tax bill or the Los Angeles County assessor's records. A Whittier mailing address does not always mean the property is inside city limits.
Do I need a sewer video for a permit in Whittier?
Certain City of Whittier permits require a lateral video under Chapter 13.34. Ask Public Works whether your project is affected.
Related services
Main Sewer Line Cleaning
Clear main drain and sewer lateral blockages that back up several fixtures at once.
Learn MoreDrain Camera Inspection
Video inspection to see roots, breaks, sags and buildup inside drain and sewer lines.
Learn MoreMore drain guides
- 7 Signs Your Main Sewer Line Is Clogged, Not Just One Drain
- Why Does My Drain Keep Clogging? 8 Common Causes and Fixes
- Hydro Jetting vs. Drain Snaking: Which One Does Your Drain Need?
- Drain or Toilet Backing Up? What to Do Right Now
This guide is general information, not legal or engineering advice. Rules and agency contacts can change; confirm details with the City of Whittier or Los Angeles County Public Works.