The three layers of the sewer system
| Layer | What it is | Who maintains it |
|---|---|---|
| Building drain & house lateral | Pipes inside your home plus the line from your home to the public main | You, the property owner |
| Local public sewer main | The pipe under the street that collects from many homes | City of Whittier (inside city limits) or LA County Public Works (unincorporated areas) |
| Regional trunk sewers & treatment | Large pipes and treatment plants serving many cities | Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts |
The Sanitation Districts serve 78 cities and unincorporated territory in Los Angeles County, and they are clear that cities and unincorporated areas are responsible for the local sewers and the laterals that connect properties.
City of Whittier or unincorporated LA County?
Many addresses with a Whittier mailing address are not in the City of Whittier. South Whittier, West Whittier–Los Nietos, and parts of East Whittier are unincorporated communities governed by Los Angeles County. The Valla area along the Santa Fe Springs boundary can fall under a different city entirely. To confirm your jurisdiction, check your property tax bill or your county’s address lookup tools.
Why it matters: if the public main is blocked — usually indicated by several neighbors backing up at once — you need to call the correct agency. If only your property is affected, the problem is almost always in your lateral, regardless of jurisdiction.
What LA County says about laterals
LA County Public Works states that house laterals are entirely owned by the private property owner they serve, including the portion under asphalt and street landscaping in the public right of way. Under County Code, owners must keep laterals maintained in a safe and sanitary condition — flowing and free of roots and grease. The County may send courtesy notices when it observes roots or debris entering the main from a lateral.
Call and we’ll walk you through the cleanout check and next steps.
The City of Whittier’s lateral video requirement
Since Ordinance No. 3059 (approved December 2016) added Chapter 13.34 to the Whittier Municipal Code, the City requires a sewer lateral video for sewer line repairs before issuing the Public Works permit. According to the City’s published guidance:
- The video must run from the cleanout outside the house foundation to the connection with the City main.
- Recording starts about five feet from the front of the house (or the back or side for alley or easement mains), and the front of the house should be shown before entering the lateral.
- The footage counter must be visible, the video must be high resolution, and camera speed should not exceed about two feet every five seconds.
- Public Works reviews it for substantial cracks, leaking sags, separated joints and blockages; if repairs are needed, the owner must make them and the lateral is re-videoed.
- If the property has no cleanout, one will need to be installed.
- The guidance lists a review fee and specifies submission on a standard-player DVD.
Requirements and fees can change — confirm current details with Whittier Public Works at (562) 567-9500 before planning a repair.
Practical takeaways
- Assume the lateral is your responsibility, all the way to the main.
- Know where your cleanout is; if you don’t have one, consider adding one.
- Keep camera footage from any inspection or cleaning — it may save you a step later.
- If neighbors are backing up too, call the City or County first.
- Check whether your homeowners policy includes sewer backup coverage.
Frequently asked questions
Does the City of Whittier pay for sewer lateral repairs?
Generally no. The lateral is the property owner’s responsibility. The City maintains the public main.
Is South Whittier covered by the City of Whittier?
No. South Whittier is unincorporated, and LA County Public Works maintains its public sewer mains. Laterals belong to property owners.
Who do I call if the street sewer is backing up?
City of Whittier Public Works for addresses within city limits, or LA County Public Works for unincorporated areas.
Related services
- Sewer Line Hydro JettingClean the lateral from your house to the street main — roots, grease and sludge removed, not just pushed aside.
- Main Sewer Line CleaningSeveral drains backing up at once? Clear the main line fast and find out why it happened — before it happens again.
- Tree Root Intrusion CleaningRoots growing into old clay sewer joints cut back to the pipe wall with root-cutting jet nozzles — plus a plan to slow regrowth.
Call Precision Hydro Jetting. Describe the symptoms and get a straight answer on next steps.
Sources
- City of Whittier — Sewer Lateral Video Requirements
- LA County Public Works — Sewer Maintenance Customer Information
- Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts — Wastewater
Precision Hydro Jetting — drain and sewer cleaning for Whittier, CA. This guide is general information, not a diagnosis of a specific plumbing system; conditions vary by property.