San Francisco’s Sewer System Improvement Program requires that the private sewer lateral (the underground line connecting the home to the city main) be inspected and certified as compliant at the time of sale. If it doesn’t pass, the seller must repair or replace it before transfer, or the parties negotiate who handles it. Sewer lateral repairs can range from minor to very expensive depending on condition, material, and street access. A camera scope inspection is standard practice and often already included in seller disclosures.
