Private Sewer Lateral: Maintenance

Per section 13.20.070 of the current City of Morgan Hill Municipal Code, each property owner shall, at the property owner's expense, inspect, maintain in good working order; repair and replace, as necessary, the private sewer lateral so that it does not cause or contribute to any sewage overflow from either the private sewer lateral or the public sewer. The private sewer lateral shall be free of displaced joints, open joint, root intrusion, substantial deterioration of the line, cracks, leaks, inflow, infiltration of extraneous water, fats, oils and grease, sediment deposit or any other similar conditions, defects or obstructions likely to cause or contribute to blockage of the private sewer lateral or the public sewer.  

Everything that is put down a private drain reaches the City sewer. A private sewer lateral which is not properly maintained can cause raw sewage to back up within the residence/building and within the City's sewer system. Unmaintained, cracked, or damaged private sewer laterals can be a contributing cause of Sanitary Sewer Overflows. Because both storm drains (which transport rainwater and irrigation run off) and sanitary sewers are commonplace throughout the City, overflows from the sanitary sewer can readily reach the storm drains causing sewage to flow into streams, rivers, bays, and eventually the ocean. 

Your private sewer lateral should be maintained such that it is free of any roots, grease deposits, and other solids which may obstruct the flow. Do not pour fats, oils, or grease down the kitchen drain. Do not dispose of wipes, feminine hygiene products, paper towels, Q-tips, or diapers in the toilet or sink. Be conscious of where you are planting trees because growing roots can cause damage to sewer laterals.

Reporting Sewer Overflows

Sanitary Sewer Overflows can pose a risk to human health, the environment, and private property. Sewage spills can come from manholes, cleanouts, outside drains, sidewalks, or ground and landscaped areas around buildings. If at any time you suspect there might be a sewage leak, please, call and report it immediately to 408-776-7333. The City of Morgan Hill will respond immediately to all reports. Web-based reporting is also available through the California Integrated Water Quality System (CIWQS) Project home page.