• Check operation of the main sewer line. This line is not usually the cause of problems, but if it is City crews can quickly remove any obstructions.
• Check the home sewer line, called a lateral, from the home's property if there is a City cleanout. If the problem is caused by an obstruction between the cleanout and the sewer main, City crews will remove the obstruction or repair the line as required.
  Call 615-2000 on weekdays between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Call (408) 615-5640 on weekends, holidays, and after 5 p.m. or before 8 a.m. during the week.

City crews can typically respond as fast or in some cases faster than a private sewer service, and there is no cost for the above services. The City is not able to reimburse fees incurred by residents who hire a private sewer service or plumber first and then discover the problem is caused by a City main stoppage.

If your home does not have a sewer line cleanout, the City can install one for a one-time charge of $290. Most houses built within the last 25 years will have a property line cleanout. It is usually located at the sidewalk near the street and it will have a small round cement or plastic cover. The cleanout is used as an access point for the City to check the sewer lateral. To schedule a cleanout installation, call the City of Santa Clara Water and Sewer Utilities at (408) 615-2000.