Residents in the MWSD service area that have identified a sewer leak, blockage or backup on their property should:

1. Call SAM (Sewer Authority Mid-Coastside) first!
   For sewer emergencies SAM is available 24/7 at (650) 726-0124. SAM staff will clean blockages or fix leaks in District maintained pipes immediately and arrange for cleanup of any spills or backups.
   If the sewer issue falls within the homeowner’s responsibility, SAM staff will advise to call a plumber. All sewer laterals, pressurized laterals, and sewer pumps serving individual homes are the homeowner’s responsibility up to the point of connection to District maintained facilities. This rule applies to all Coastside sewer agencies and most sewer agencies in the State.
2. Follow SAM’s advice!
   If SAM advises to call a plumber or general contractor, please do so immediately. Any sewer spills that are the homeowner’s responsibility are reported by SAM to the San Mateo County Health Department and can result in fines to the homeowner. SAM staff cannot assist with any issue that lies within the homeowner’s responsibility or recommend a specific plumber or contractor.
3. If the issue is located on private property most issues can be addressed by contracting with a plumber.
   Be certain to utilize a CA licensed plumbing contractor. If the sewer leak, blockage or spill is within the Public Right of Way the plumber must be licensed and have appropriate insurance to excavate in the street. General Contractors usually have the necessary license and insurance in order to repair laterals located in the Public Right of Way.
   A list of search terms is provided below to assist with finding suitable plumbers or contractors.
4. Seeking estimates from three licensed contractors is often recommended and can keep costs down.
   (Be sure to include contractors from outside the coastside area!).
   We recommend you verify each contractor’s license number and whether they are in active/in good standing online with the California Contractors License Board.
5. Once you have selected a contractor, ensure they reach out to San Mateo County and MWSD for permits, Standard Specifications and inspection services to confirm repair work adheres to codes.
   If needed MWSD can assist your plumber through the permitting process.

Licensed plumbing professionals can be found through online searches.

Typical search terms for private sewer lateral (between District owned facility and house) and water service (meter to house) issues are:

SEWER LATERAL CLEANING SEARCH TERMS:

• Side sewer pipe cleaning
• Sewer Lateral Root cutting contractors
• Side Sewer Clog removal
• Clogged Sewer Lateral (or Plugged Sewer Lateral) repairs

SEWER REPAIRS AND REPLACEMENT SEARCH TERMS:

• Private Sewer Lateral (or Sewer Pipe) Repair Contractor
• Pipe bursting sewer line or HDPE sewer line replacement cost
• Side sewer pipe replacement

PRIVATE SEWER PUMPS AND PRESSURE LATERALS SEARCH TERMS:

• Private sewer pump (or sewer ejector) repair contractors
• Pressure lateral pipe repair contractors
• Private sewer pump installation companies
• Private Sewer Pump Electrician
• You may also search for regional service technicians for your pump brand (Goulds, Liberty, e-One, Myers, Zoeller, are a few common brands)

SEPTIC TANKS SEARCH TERMS:

• Septic tank testing / pumping / repair

WATER SERVICE PIPES SEARCH TERMS (Meter to House, If you think you have a leak before the Meter, call MWSD):

• Water leak detection / house service pipe repair / supply pipe repair