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1. When does the program come into effect?

Beginning June 1, 2022, inspections will be required and repairs made, if needed, for all private properties prior to the event of a resale. 

2. Why is the sewer lateral program necessary?

Wastewater (sewage) from homes and businesses in Morgan Hill flows in private pipes (laterals) to neighborhood collection pipes and is ultimately carried into a large sewer trunk line down to the wastewater treatment facility in Gilroy. While this trunk line is designed to carry all the wastewater generated by homes and businesses, it is not large enough to carry stormwater too. Unfortunately, as the wastewater collection system has aged these private sewer laterals are subject to the cracking, root-fill, displacement, and failures that allow stormwater to rush in and overflow the City’s infrastructure during large storm events. This stormwater intrusion has resulted in sewage overflows in the trunk line that can pollute local creeks and rivers and could ultimately compromise drinking water quality. 

3. What is a private sewer lateral?

Laterals, also known as building sanitary sewers, are the sewer pipes that carry wastewater from toilets, sinks and drains and connect from the house or building to the City’s public sewer pipelines. They are typically made of 4” diameter clay or plastic pipe. On private properties the sewer lines from the exterior of the building to the main public sewer line, including the connection to the city main, are the responsibility of the property owner. 

4. Who is affected by this program?

All private property owners - residential, commercial, and industrial - within the city limits of Morgan Hill and connects to the city sewer main line. This ordinance applies to all properties that are more than 15 years old. If the property is a new construction that is 15 years or less of age, this inspection is not required. The property may complete an Exemption Form to provide to the Buyer during the real estate transaction. 

5. What are the responsibilities of private property owners?

1. Maintain a fully functional private lateral sewer system
2. Prior to the sale of a property, find and hire a Qualified Contractor, to complete a CCTV  video inspection of the sewer lateral
3. Submit the passing inspection report and request a dropbox link to upload the CCTV footage to PSL.WC@morganhill.ca.gov (only passing inspection reports should be submitted)
4. The passing report and video will be verified by City teammates for completeness and any discrepancies
5. Once verified by City teammates, a certificate of compliance will be issued within five business days
6. If the inspection does not pass, the damages will need to be repaired and a new inspection that passes will have to be performed by the Qualified Contractor 

6. Where do I start?

1. Choose a qualified plumbing contractor to perform the inspection. We recommend calling and receiving a few quotes. Qualified plumbing contractor must meet these requirements:

1. Must be NASSCO certified (search using the following criteria: Under the LOCATION text box, type in "Morgan Hill" and use the drop down menu for the RADIUS box). 
2. Must be a Licensed Contractor
3. Must have a City of Morgan Hill Business License

2. Have the qualified plumbing contractor complete the inspection at the property and completely fill out the Utility Inspection Report Form (PDF).

3. If the inspection passed, email the report to PSL.WC@morganhill.ca.gov and request a personalized Dropbox link to submit the passing CCTV footage.

4. After verification, you will receive a Certificate of Compliance. The certificate is valid for ten (10) years.

5. Keep this certificate for any future real estate transactions and provide to the new property owner upon sale. 

7. Who is a Qualified Plumbing Contractor?

A qualified plumber meets the following criteria:

1. Licensed with the State of California
2. Morgan Hill Business License
3. NASSCO Certified

8. What does the inspection consist of?

In compliance with this ordinance, a Qualified Contractor must perform a closed-circuit TV (CCTV) inspection of the private sewer lateral, typically from the clean-out closest to the building to the connection to the sewer main in the street. A Qualified Contractor is defined as a licensed plumbing contractor with a City of Morgan Hill business license and an active pipeline or lateral assessment certification from NASSCO. The Qualified Contactor will complete the Utility Inspection Report Form that must be filed with the City. The Qualified Contractor will inform the property owner if the inspection passed or failed and if any repairs need to be made to the sewer lines. 

9. What is the estimated cost?

Inspection of private sewer laterals may cost from $300-$800 depending on the Qualified Contractor chosen. If the private sewer lateral lines cannot be accessed it may be necessary to install a new cleanout pine, which can range from $2,000 to $4,000 plus the inspection cost. Fixing serious structural or operation defects can vary widely in cost, with a full lateral replacement including new clean-out costing on average between $10,000 - $15,000. 

10. What if repairs need to be made?

If the initial inspection fails, all repairs must be completed to obtain a Certificate of Compliance. On the Utility Inspection Report Form the Qualified Contractor will note what repairs need to be completed by any licensed plumbing contractor with a City of Morgan Hill business license in order to pass a future inspection. A second inspection will need to take place after the repairs are completed to pass the inspection for the property. If the seller of the property negotiates with the buyer, a Transfer of Responsibility to Repair Form may be completed.

11. Does a Qualified Plumbing Contractor have to perform the repairs/replacement?

No. If repairs are necessary, they can be conducted by any licensed plumbing contractor with a City of Morgan Hill business license. The NASSCO certified licensed contractor is only necessary for the inspection (and re-inspection), but not required for any needed repairs. A Qualified Plumbing Contractor with NASSCO certification will be required to conduct the final inspection after any repairs are made.

12. What if this delays the sale of the property?

To mitigate any property transfer delays the two participating parties may choose to complete the Transfer of Responsibility Form, allowing for the buyer to take responsibility for all repairs that may need to be completed on the private sewer lateral in order to pass inspection. The new property owner will be allotted 180 days to complete the repairs. Buyers who do not complete the improvements as required will be subject to penalties and could have their water service terminated. 

13. What is a private sanitary sewer collection system?

This is a combination of multiple residences, on the same private property (e.g., apartment complexes, office buildings), where multiple lateral lines from the exterior of the building combine to a private main sewer line that connects to the main public sewer line, including the connection.

14. Why do I need a Certificate of Compliance?

A Certificate of Compliance is needed in the City of Morgan Hill for the new property owner (Buyer) to begin new water services.