Sewer Lateral Policy

A sewer lateral is the underground pipe that connects your property's plumbing system to the City sewer system in the street.
It typically begins approximately 12 inches outside your building and extends to the public sewer main.

Property owners are responsible for maintaining and repairing their sewer lateral, including the connection to the public sewer main.

This includes:

• The entire pipe on private property
• The connection point to the City sewer

Poor maintenance can lead to:

• Sewer backups
• Root intrusion
• Environmental and public health impacts 

Follow these steps: 

1. Contact a licensed plumber (City of Torrance business license required)
2. Request a camera inspection of the sewer lateral
3. Repair any damage or blockages identified 
4. Obtain required permits before performing repairs 

Permits are required to ensure proper installation and connection to the City sewer system. 

You may need:

Plumbing Permit ("Alter Building Sewer")

• Required for repairs on private property (building to property line)

Construction & Excavation Permit

• Required for work in the public right-of-way (property line to sewer main)

Both permits 

• Required if work occurs on both private property and in the public right-of-way

How to get a permit

Contact the Torrance Community Development Department to:

• Apply for required permits
• Confirm which permits your project needs
• Ask questions beefore starting work 

(310) 618-5910
One-Stop-Shop
3031 Torrance Blvd,
Torrance, CA 90503

Common causes of sewer lateral issues:

• Aging or deteriorating pipes
• Cracks or pipe separation
• Tree root intrusion
• Soil movement
• Improper maintenance

How to prevent problems:

• Schedule routine inspections and cleaning 
• Repair damaged pipes promptly
• Do not pour grease down drains
• Avoid disposing of paint or construction materials in drains