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CITY OF LOS ANGELES
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS

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SPILLS & BACKWATER VALVES
  About spills
  The impact of spills
Sewer backwater valves
ODORS

City Sewers

Spills


Sewer backwater valves

Most properties are connected to public (mainline) sewers. The majority of these properties have been built so that an obstruction in the public sewer will not cause sewage backup into the property.

Other properties, however, require the protection of a backwater valve in the owner's drain line. These properties have been built (see diagram) so that the drain of the lowest plumbing fixture (bath tub, shower, etc.) is lower than the upper manhole (maintenance hole) of the public sewer. The backwater valve is designed to automatically shut to prevent sewage from backing up into the building from an obstructed public sewer.

If your property appears to require a backwater valve, but you do not know if one has been installed, we strongly encourage you to call a licensed plumber, who can evaluate your situation and, if necessary, install a backwater valve. Backwater valves must be checked to ensure that they are operating properly at all times. Root cleaning machines, debris in the drain line or other problems can easily damage or interfere with the proper operation of backwater valves.

A plumbing permit is required for the installation of a backwater valve. See http://www.ladbs.org/about_us/csc.htm to get more information.

To report spills, call
Call 311

Or contact
Wastewater Collection Systems Division
2714 Media Center Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90065
(323) 342-6006

Evening hours, call
(213) 485-7575

 MORE INFORMATION

CONTACT  AND  INFORMATION
Report Sewer ODORS
Report Sewer SPILLS   Or CALL 3-1-1, or (213) 473-3231
More information: (213) 978-0333,
or email bpw.pao@lacity.org
City of Los AngelesDepartment of Public Works
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