Who Owns the Sewer Line in Clovis?

Most homeowners assume the city takes care of the sewer pipe once it leaves the yard. In Clovis, that's not how it works. The pipe that carries your home's wastewater belongs to you, all the way to the city main.

The Short Answer: You Own the Lateral

The pipe that runs from your house to the city sewer main is called the sewer lateral. Clovis Municipal Code Chapter 6.4 puts it plainly:

“
Sewer service laterals shall be installed, maintained, and repaired by the owner of the property which the lateral serves.

That responsibility doesn't stop at your property line. It runs under the sidewalk and street, up to and including the connection at the city main. The City maintains the main itself.

Part of the system	Who is responsible
Drains and pipes inside the house	Property owner
Lateral from the house to the property line	Property owner
Lateral under the sidewalk or street, including the connection at the main	Property owner
Sewer main in the street	City of Clovis

What That Means When Roots or Cracks Show Up

Since the lateral is yours, so is the repair. That includes sections under the sidewalk or street, which most people never think about.

The common problems:

Tree roots. Roots follow moisture into joints and small cracks. Once inside, they grow and catch paper and waste.

Cracks and breaks. Age, shifting soil and heavy loads above the pipe can crack it. Older clay pipe is more prone to this.

Sags, or "bellies." A low spot in the line holds water and waste instead of letting it flow. Clogs form there again and again.

Grease and wipes. Grease hardens on pipe walls. Wipes don't break down like toilet paper. Both build up over time.

Older neighborhoods, such as the blocks around Old Town Clovis, are more likely to have aging laterals. Newer homes aren't immune, though. Roots and settling can affect any line.

Warning Signs of a Sewer Lateral Problem

One slow sink is usually a local clog. Trouble in the lateral affects the whole house. Watch for:

Several drains running slow at the same time

A toilet that gurgles when you run the sink or washer

Water or sewage coming up in the tub or shower, the lowest drains in the house

Backups after laundry or several showers in a row

A sewage smell near the cleanout or in the yard

A soggy, sunken or extra-green patch along the sewer line

Seeing more than one of these? Call Clovis Rooters at (559) 418-4780, 24/7. We'll find where the line is blocked or broken and explain your options. See our sewer line repair service.

What to Do If You Suspect a Problem

1Stop using water. Every flush and load of laundry adds to the backup. Hold off until the line is cleared.

2Leave the cleanout cap on. During a backup, sewage can spill out under pressure. Let a plumber open it.

3Get the line checked. A sewer camera shows roots, cracks, sags and their location. That tells you whether the line needs drain cleaning or a repair.

4Check whether it's the City's main. If sewage is coming up from a manhole or the street, the problem may be in the main. Report it to the City of Clovis.

Not Every Clovis Address Follows the City Rule

Some homes with a Clovis mailing address aren't on the City sewer system.

Quail Lake is served by Fresno County Service Area 47, which runs its own wastewater plant. Call Fresno County Special Districts at (559) 600-4259 about the community side. See our Quail Lakes plumbing page.

Tarpey Village is unincorporated Fresno County. Check with your sewer provider about where their responsibility ends.

Buying a Home in Clovis? Inspect the Lateral First

The day escrow closes, the lateral becomes yours, roots and cracks included. A standard home inspection doesn't usually include a sewer camera inspection.

Ask for one before you close. It's a small step that can reveal a costly problem while you can still negotiate.

Talk to a Clovis Plumber About Your Sewer Line

Call Clovis Rooters at (559) 418-4780, 24/7. There is no fixed price. Cost is set after the job is assessed.

Call (559) 418-4780

Who Owns the Sewer Line? A Guide for Clovis Homeowners