Private Sewer Lateral inspections, which include a diagnostic video, repair, and replacement must be performed by a qualified plumber. 

Qualified Plumbers

The City only accepts private sewer lateral inspection reports that are performed by a qualified plumber. Under the City’s Municipal Code (§17.50.020), a qualified plumber is:

  1. A company or plumber with a valid city business license and the appropriate licensure, as required by the state, to provide private sewer lateral services, including video inspection, cleaning, maintenance, repair and connection to the public sewer; or

  2. A plumber who has satisfied the qualification requirements outlined in the city's Private Sewer Lateral Program Administrative Guide which add to the first definition that the plumber has also attended one of the City’s Plumber’s Workshops in the last three (3) years.

Once a plumber attends a Plumber’s Workshop hosted by the City, they are added to the City’s list of pre-certified plumbers. The City does not warrant nor guarantee the work of any specific plumber or plumbing company. This list is provided as a courtesy, and the City encourages property owners to research and vet plumbers before selecting one.

By participating in the Plumber’s Workshop, plumbers are kept up to date on the City’s Private Sewer Lateral Inspection Program, including requirements for submitting inspection reports to the City, the City’s plumbing-related requirements, and private sewer lateral related incentives.

If you are a plumber and interested in attending the next Plumber’s Workshop, please email the Public Works and Utilities Department at waterquality@lagunabeachcity.net with the subject “Interest in Plumber’s Workshop” and provide your contact information.

Plumber's Bounty Cash Incentive

Plumbers play a critical role in inspecting and maintaining private sewer laterals, but also in caring for the City’s public sewer system by coordinating with the City on the clearing of roots and debris from private sewer laterals. Through the Plumber’s Bounty Cash Incentive, the City offers plumber’s $50 cash when clearing roots and debris from private sewer laterals is coordinated with the Public Works and Utilities Department so that the roots and debris are caught and do not block nor impact the City’s sewer main. Participation in the incentive is simple:

1. Plumber calls Public Works before clearing.
2. City staff meets plumber.
3.Plumber receives a voucher.
4. Plumber cashes in voucher.
5. Plumber receives a check in the mail.

Private Sewer Lateral Inspection Report Requirements

All private sewer lateral Inspection Reports must include a diagnostic video and be submitted on the City’s online platform by a qualified plumber. Below is a list of Inspection Report requirements:

  • Signed by a California licensed plumber/contractor who also has a Laguna Beach business license (per LBMC §17.50.020)
  • Evidence that plumber marked on the ground surface directly above the private sewer lateral to identify location of issues, like roots, joint problems, pipe problems, infiltration, among others (per LBMC §17.50.053(c))
  • Submitted within 14 days of inspection (per LBMC §17.50.053(d))
  • Complete property address
  • Date of inspection
  • Submittal date
  • City of Laguna Beach Business License Number
  • Sewer Usage
  • Camera Direction
  • Pipe size (width in inches) to be measured in the upstream (or downstream) cleanout
  • Pipe materials
  • All questions on the digital Inspection Report are answered
  • Inspector summary
  • Virtual drawing of the private sewer lateral’s alignment, including its start, any joints, cleanout, and end
  • Digital video of the entire private sewer lateral line(s) (from structure until to City’s main line)
  • Inspection date (per LBMC §17.50.053(b))
  • Identification of inspection’s beginning point (per LBMC §17.50.053(b))
  • Audio assessment of the inspection (per LBMC §17.50.053(b))
  • Footage counter to allow points along the entire inspection to be identified (per LBMC §17.50.053(b))
  • Camera lens is clean and clear, not foggy nor smudged
  • Video is in color and quality, lighting, and focus allows for clear review by the City
  • Camera travel speed shall be uniform and not exceed 30 feet per minute
  • Camera stopped for a minimum of 5 seconds at broken sections, root intrusion, misaligned joints, or other defects
  • At least 70% of the pipe periphery shall be visible above the waterline

The City reserves its right to request re‐video and clarifications on the Inspection Report in order to review and assess the condition of a private sewer lateral.