Sewer Backups

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IT MIGHT BE A CROSS BORE

A cross bore is when a natural gas pipeline passes through a small segment of a sewer pipeline. This may cause your sewer line to back up or not work properly. If this occurs, clearing out a sewer line with a “tree root cutter snake” could cause a gas leak, which can lead to a serious accident. To learn more about cross bores, please visit: Cross Bore

BE SAFE

It’s important to keep in mind that natural gas is flammable and that even a spark can serve as an ignition source. For your safety and for the safety of those around you, you should be aware of the following signs that may indicate the presence of a gas leak, especially if a cutting tool was used and you think you might have cut a gas line:

SIGHT - Bubbles rising through standing water or in toilet bowls
SOUND - A hissing, whistling, or roaring sound at the sewer cleanout, sewer vents, or inside the structure served by the sewer line
SMELL - The distinctive odor of natural gas at the sewer cleanout, sewer vents, or inside the structure served by the sewer line

To learn more about natural gas safety and what actions to take in the case of a natural gas emergency, please visit: Natural Gas Safety

I have a sewer backup. What should I do?

  • Your first step is to get an initial inspection to ensure there is no presence of a cross bore in the sewer lateral. Once confirmed a cross bore is not present, there should be a clearing and draining of the sewer lateral performed, ideally by a professional. For ease of inspection, clearing and draining of sewer laterals, we strongly recommend that property owners ensure that a proper cleanout is installed:
    • 4” in diameter (Long Beach Utilities Department (LBUD) Policy Section 1406 Sewer Lateral Responsibility, Appendix 3)
    • Off Structure, ground level (not located in/on wall of structure)
    • On the downstream side of the structure (no longer runs under any buildings)
  • If there is not a presence of a cross bore and the blockage appears to be on the property owner's property line, we recommend getting the lateral to drain by means of snake or hydrojet (by homeowner or private plumber) (LBUD Policy Section 1406 Sewer Lateral Responsibility, Appendix 2)
  • If the video shows an issue on City property, please submit that video to LBUD, Attention Manager of Sewer Operations, 1800 E Wardlow Rd, Long Beach, CA 90807 or call (562) 570-2440 for more information.

If the property owner believes that there is a problem on the city property’s line preventing wastewater from draining to the sewer main, Long Beach Utilities will investigate after the property owner performs the initial inspection, clearing, and draining of the sewer lateral.

Have another question or an emergency?

For any sewer-related questions, emergencies, or after-hours please call our dispatch line at (562) 570-2390

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