Contact Us

Sewers & Storm Drains Section
1404 Mabury Rd.
San Jose, CA 95133

Phone: (408) 794-1900 (24 hours)

Hours
Monday - Friday
7:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Sewers & Storm Drains

24-Hour Emergency Logo Please report immediately by calling (408) 794-1900:

Sewer spills or bad odors
Report local flooding or sewer overflows
Downed trees/limbs
Missing, broken, or displaced manhole covers or grates

Sanitary Sewer	Storm Drain System

The sanitary sewer transports waste water (from sinks, showers, and toilets) from residences and businesses to a facility where it is treated before being released into the San Francisco Bay	The storm drain system transports untreated storm runoff into a nearby creek or other waterway.

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Resources

Sewer System Management Plan

FAQs

What can I do to prevent sewer overflows?

Don’t pour grease down the drain; instead, pour cooled grease into disposable containers and place them into the garbage once it has hardened.

Don’t use your garbage disposal to grind up fibrous foods such as corn husks and cobs, onion peels, artichoke leaves, banana peels, celery; or greasy foods such as meat, etc.

Don’t put anything other than toilet paper down the toilet. This includes baby wipes, feminine hygiene products, paper towels, Q-tips, etc.

Don’t plant trees that will grow up later and clog your lateral lines (for more information visit the Baykeeper website).
What does a sewer spill look like?
Sewage spills do not all look the same.
- Learn how to identify sewer spills
What is a sewer lateral and who is responsible for the lateral?

A sanitary sewer lateral or private service lateral is the pipeline between the City’s main sewer line and a building.

The sanitary sewer lateral or private service lateral is owned and maintained by the property owner. It is the sole responsibility of the property owner to clear any blockages within their lateral not caused by the City’s main sewer line.
What is the difference between sanitary sewers and storm drains?

Sanitary sewers collect and convey sewage to a treatment plant where the sewage can be treated. Storm drains transport rain water and irrigation runoff to streams, bays, and rivers with little or no treatment. Storm drainage flows are generally not treated and therefore should not contain any pollutants that could affect our streams and ocean.

Because both storm sewer and sanitary sewers are commonplace throughout the city, overflows from the sanitary sewer can readily reach the storm system. Therefore, it is extremely important to report a sewer overflow by calling (408) 794-1900 or (408) 277-8956 immediately so that we can contain the spill and prevent the sewage from reaching the storm drain.
Who do I call if I see someone dumping something into a catch basin?

Garbage, debris, and oil should not be thrown down sewers or storm drains. Sewers can handle sewage as well as certain types and limited amounts of toxic materials such as household cleaners. If you see someone dumping something into a catch basin call immediately (408) 945-3000.
What is a city approved wye cleanout and how can I get one?

A city-approved wye cleanout is a four inch minimum diameter pipe that connects the lateral to an open access point at the surface of the ground. The wye cleanout provides access to the sewer lateral and should be located within five feet of the sidewalk. The cleanout must sweep toward the city’s main in the street, providing access to the portion of the lateral away from the building.

Property owners of a single-family residence can install a city-approved wye cleanout themselves by first acquiring a permit from the City of San José's Building Department (408) 535-3555 where you will be provided diagrams of a wye cleanout and instructions for proper installation. Once the wye cleanout is inspected and signed off, backfilling of the excavation can be completed.

Property owners may hire a contractor to install the approved wye cleanout. Permits are required and work must be inspected at the time of installation.

The City of San José can install a city-approved wye cleanout for property owners. Call (408) 794-1900 for the current wye installation fee. City crews will install the approved cleanout and perform all necessary repairs to the lateral from the approved wye cleanout to the sanitary main. Any sidewalk, driveways, or curb and gutter concrete will be replaced by the city concrete crews at the City's expense. The City of San José is not responsible for replacement of decorative concrete removed during the installation of the approved wye cleanout or repairs to the sanitary lateral between the house and cleanout. The City of San José does not guarantee that any landscaping will survive when replanted at the completion of the project.

Owners of multi-unit residences, including duplexes, triplexes, and apartment houses, must have a license with the City of San José to install the approved wye cleanout.

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Sanitary Sewer

Storm Drain System