What the requirement is
EBMUD's Regional Private Sewer Lateral ordinance requires property owners in its service area to obtain a compliance certificate when certain events happen — most commonly a property sale, a major renovation above a cost threshold, or a change in water service size.
The certificate confirms the private sewer lateral — the line running from the building to the public sewer main — has been tested and doesn't leak. Leaking laterals let groundwater into the sewer system, which is what the ordinance exists to address.
Requirements and thresholds vary by jurisdiction and change over time. Confirm the current specifics for your property with EBMUD or your city; we'll tell you what we're seeing on your job, but the agency's word is the one that counts.
Why this usually comes up mid-escrow
Most people learn about it from their agent, with a closing date already set. That's the situation we're set up for: fast scheduling, clear reporting, and a repair path that doesn't stall the deal.
How we handle it
1. Camera inspection and test
We inspect the lateral and run the test the certificate requires. You see the same footage we do — no vague verbal summary of what's supposedly down there.
2. You get the findings in writing
If it passes, we move to the certificate. If it doesn't, you get a clear written scope of what failed and what it takes to fix it, so you and the other party can negotiate from facts rather than from a guess.
3. Repair or replacement if needed
Spot repair, trenchless replacement where the property allows, or full replacement. All of it permitted and inspected, and covered by our five-year workmanship warranty.
4. Certificate filed
We complete the filing and send copies to you, your agent, and escrow.
For real estate agents and escrow officers
If you handle East Bay transactions, this comes up constantly and it derails closings when it's found late. We schedule fast, report in writing, and communicate directly with escrow so you're not relaying messages. Call the office and ask for a direct line for transaction work.
Which cities this applies to
The EBMUD service area covers much of Alameda and Contra Costa counties, including Oakland, Berkeley, Alameda, San Leandro, Castro Valley, San Lorenzo, Piedmont, Emeryville, Albany, El Cerrito, Richmond, Lafayette, Orinda, Moraga, Danville, and Walnut Creek, among others. If you're not sure whether your property falls inside it, call us and we'll help you find out.