Three checks before anyone digs
- CSLB licenseSearch the license on the CSLB site: active status, the business name on your contract, classifications, bond and workers' compensation.
- Permit eligibilityCentral San issues repair permits only to a plumber or an “A” licensed contractor (Sewer Repairs).
- Central San registrationRequired for any work in the public right-of-way or a Central San easement, which covers most lower-lateral work (Permit FAQs).
What a good quote includes
| # | Item | What to look for |
|---|---|---|
| Q-01 | Camera footage | The video the recommendation is based on, with distances |
| Q-02 | Method and reason | Open trench, bursting, lining or spot repair, tied to specific findings |
| Q-03 | Length, depth, pipe | Feet replaced, approximate depth, pipe material and diameter |
| Q-04 | Permits | Who pulls the Central San permit and any encroachment permit; which fees are included |
| Q-05 | OPD and cleanout | Included, already compliant, or priced separately |
| Q-06 | Restoration | Lawn, landscaping, concrete, pavers, street paving: included or excluded |
| Q-07 | Warranty | Written terms for workmanship and materials |
| Q-08 | Deposit and schedule | Deposit amount, start date and expected duration |
Red flags
- No footage, or only a short clip, offered as proof the line must be replaced
- Pressure to line a pipe the video shows is collapsed or badly bellied
- No mention of a Central San permit, or a suggestion to skip one
- A quote with no length, method or restoration detail
- A large deposit demanded before a permit is pulled
- A license that is expired, suspended or in a different business name
Want a second quote on the same scope? A local sewer contractor can follow up.
Owner-performed work
Central San allows owners to work on their own property when the trench is no deeper than five feet, starting with a pre-construction meeting with the inspector (Permit FAQs, Sewer Repairs). Street and easement work still needs a registered contractor, and trench safety on deep laterals is serious, so most homeowners hire the whole job out.
Before you sign
Compare quotes against the ranges on the cost page, confirm the method with the trenchless guide, and read the Central San guide so you know what inspections to expect. When you're ready, request a quote.
Questions homeowners ask
What license does a sewer contractor need in California?
Check the classification on the CSLB license lookup. For Central San repair permits, the permit is issued only to a plumber or a contractor holding an “A” (General Engineering) license (Central San). Since January 2025, jobs of $1,000 or more in combined labor and materials require a CSLB license (CSLB).
Does my contractor need to be registered with Central San?
For any work in the public right-of-way or a Central San easement, yes: Central San requires “a properly licensed contractor registered with Central San” (Permit FAQs).
How many quotes should I get?
Two or three, built on the same camera footage and the same scope, so you're comparing prices rather than different jobs.
Sources
- CSLB: Check a License
- CSLB: License Classifications
- CSLB: AB 2622 implementation bulletin (minor-work threshold raised to $1,000)
- Central San: Permit FAQs
- Central San: Sewer Repairs (permits, cleanouts, OPDs, inspections)
Rules and programs change. Confirm current requirements with the agency before you start work.