Upper Laterals
The upper lateral is the privately owned portion of the sewer pipe that runs from just outside the exterior of the building to the publicly owned portion of the sanitary sewer, usually near the property line, indicated by a District cleanout (See Figure 1). Property owners are responsible for the maintenance and repair of the upper lateral. For properties where no District cleanout exists, the upper lateral continues all the way to the main.
Aged pipe and poorly maintained upper laterals are at increased risk for developing leaks and experiencing blockages, which can cause backups and other issues. Deteriorated laterals with breaks, leaks, or open cleanouts allow significant amounts of rain and groundwater into the sewer system. This non-sewer water in the system is called inflow and infiltration (I & I). I & I negatively impacts the District Wastewater Treatment Plant and our customers because having excess non-sewer water in the system reduces available Plant capacity for new development and it also increases the total volume of water requiring treatment, thus driving up chemical and energy costs.
UPPER SEWER LATERAL REIMBURSEMENT PROGRAM
The Vallejo Flood and Wastewater District (District) offers a reimbursement-based, upper lateral replacement program. The upper lateral is the portion of the sewer pipe that runs from just outside the exterior of the building to the property line and is the responsibility of the homeowner. For a visual explanation of sewer lateral terminology, see Figure 1 on page 2 of this packet. The purpose of the Upper Lateral Program is to encourage homeowners to repair damaged sewer laterals to protect their home from sewer backups and to decrease the amount of groundwater and stormwater that can infiltrate into sewer pipes. If you are currently experiencing issues with your sewer lateral, had issues in the past, or are just interested in repairing your sewer lateral, you could be eligible for reimbursement through the Upper Lateral Program. The program offers partial reimbursement for replacing or fixing your upper lateral, installing the required sewer cleanouts, and if necessary, a backflow prevention device.
UPPER LATERAL PROGRAM FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT DO I DO IF MY LATERAL IS PLUGGED?
CALL THE DISTRICT FIRST AT (707) 644‐8949, any time, day or night. District crews will determine if the backup in the lateral is caused by a problem in the public sewer. If the problem is in the public sewer, the District will correct the problem. If the problem is in the upper lateral on your property, the District will recommend that you call a plumber. Your plumber MUST obtain a sewer encroachment permit from the District before repairs are made. If the plumber finds that the problem is actually in the public sewer, the District will correct the problem and reimburse you for the cost of the plumber’s investigations.
WHAT DOES THE UPPER LATERAL PROGRAM EVALUATION CONSIST OF?
The evaluation includes a review of past and current problems with your lateral and an inspection of the lateral. Points are given for specific criteria to determine if the lateral qualifies for the program.
WHAT HAPPENS IF MY LATERAL DOES NOT QUALIFY FOR THE PROGRAM?
If your lateral doesn’t qualify, the District does not consider repairs necessary. Any work you may want to do on the lateral will be your own choice and at your own cost. You may request to have your lateral evaluated again in the future.
WHAT HAPPENS IF MY LATERAL DOES QUALIFY FOR THE PROGRAM?
See the “Upper Lateral Program Process” flowchart for step‐by‐step process. Each property is only entitled to be reimbursed once for the repair of the lateral and cleanouts. Any future repairs will be your responsibility.
CAN I ASK THE DISTRICT TO EVALUATE MY LATERAL IF IT ISN’T PLUGGED?
Yes, the District will schedule a free evaluation upon your request and determine if your property qualifies.
WHO WILL PAY FOR REPAIRS?
As the property owner, you are responsible for all costs to repair your private lateral. If the District determines your lateral qualifies for the upper lateral program, you will receive a letter stating the reimbursement amount, and you will be reimbursed after you submit your paid invoice to the District.
CAN THE DISTRICT INCREASE MY REIMBURSEMENT AMOUNT?
The reimbursement amount is based solely on the length of lateral being repaired, as shown in the “Reimbursement Amounts” . The District recommends getting quotes from three contractors to find the contractor that works best for your situation.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I ONLY NEED SEWER CLEANOUTS?
You can get reimbursed for installing a District Cleanout and a Two‐Way Cleanout, see the Reimbursement Amounts on page 5. A sewer encroachment permit is needed prior to starting work. After work is completed and inspected, submit a paid invoice to the District to get reimbursed. You don’t need a formal reimbursement letter to start the work. You can still apply to replace the upper lateral at a later date if needed.