Has the sewer lateral that connects your home to city sewer developed a leakage? Are you finding it difficult to pay for the expense of replacing the sewer lateral? Do you live in San Mateo? If the answer to these three questions is a yes, you should consider requesting financial assistance under the Sewer Lateral Cost Sharing Program that is offered to the residents of San Mateo, CA.

The repair and replacement of sewer lateral is the responsibility of homeowners. If the leak is left unrepaired, the sewage water can leech underground polluting the environment.

Ensuring that the sewer lateral is in optimum condition is in the best interest of both the homeowners and the community.  That’s why the San Mateo has decided to help homeowners lessen the burden of sewer lateral replacement by offering them 50% financial assistance for replacement the costs.

The aim of the sewer lateral cost sharing program is to encourage homeowners to replace faulty sewer laterals as soon as possible and replace it with a technology called Trenchless Sewer Repair. This program was initiated by San Mateo to reduce the inflow of residential sewage water into the city’s sewage system.  The grant covers half of the replacement cost of the sewage lateral, up to a maximum amount of $5,000.

The Sewer Lateral Cost Sharing Program is opened every year, and lasts for one year. The latest program opened on July 1, 2016 and will last until June 30, 2017. Every homeowner is served on a first-come, first served basis.

How to Obtain Funds for Trenchless Sewer Repairs in San Mateo

Any homeowner who wants to obtain the sewer lateral replacement fund must submit an application. They are also required to obtain written estimates from three licensed plumbers or contractors. The estimates should be received for replacing entire sewer lateral as well as a cleanout in accordance to the local plumbing code.

The estimates will have to be submitted for review and approval before homeowners can begin replacement of the sewer lateral. Estimates that are submitted to the county authority should include all the necessary items such as full lateral replacement cleanout, a new wye connection, and permits if required.

Although, property owners can choose any plumber, the City will reimburse 50% of the lowest bid only. The permits for the work can be obtained at the City Hall and include an encroachment permit and a building permit.

Plumbers or contractors carrying out the replacement work are required to schedule inspection with the City inspector. If you are interested our service, please see our cost sharing page. in After the sewer lateral replacement work is completed, homeowners must submit the final invoice, building permit, encroachment permit (if required), and WR-9 form. The reason for submitting the WR-9 form is that the grants are taxed and therefore, have to be reported in the IRS tax return file.