SERVICES | SEWER | SANITARY SEWER CLEANING | "WYE" CLEANOUT

What is a City- approved Wye cleanout?

A City- approved wye cleanout is a 4 inch minimum diameter pipe connected to the lateral, that comes up to the surface of the front yard, through which the property owner's sanitary lateral, can be accessed for cleaning or the inspection by City crews.
The cleanout must be located within five feet of the back of the sidewalk and provide access to the lateral in the direction going away from the building.

How can I get a City- Approved Wye cleanout?

There are many ways that a property owner can get a City approved wye cleanout.

1. Property owners of a single-family residence can install a City-approved wye cleanout themselves by first acquiring a permit from the City of San Jose's Plumbing and Mechanical Department. At that time, you will receive diagrams of a wye cleanout and proper installation. You will be given instructions on how to have your wye cleanout inspected before by the City prior to backfilling the excavation. Once the wye cleanout is inspected and signed off, backfilling of the excavation can be completed.

2. Property owners may hire a contractor to install the approved wye cleanout. Permits are required and work must inspected at the time of installation.

3. The City of San Jose can install a City-approved wye cleanout for property owners. Call 277-4373 for current wye installation fee. City crews will install the approved cleanout and perform all necessary repairs to the lateral from the approved wye cleanout to the sanitary main. Any sidewalk, driveways, or curb and gutter concrete, removed by City crews in the course of the installation or repair, will be replaced by the City concrete crews at the City expense. The City of San Jose is not responsible for replacement of decorative concrete removed during installation of the approved wye cleanout or repairs to the sanitary lateral between the house and the cleanout. The City of San Jose does not guarantee that any landscaping removed at the time of installation or repair will survive when replanted at the completion of the project.

4. Owners of the multi-units residences, including duplexes, triplexes, and apartment houses must have a license with the City of San Jose install the approved wye cleanout.