Sewer line repair: which licenses cover what?

Sewer work can fall under more than one CSLB classification, so it pays to ask which license a business will use. CSLB’s official descriptions say:

C-36 Plumbing includes “complete removal of waste from the premises or the construction and connection of on-site waste disposal systems” (CSLB).
C-42 Sanitation System contractors fabricate and install “cesspools, septic tanks, storm drains, and other sewage disposal and drain structures” (CSLB).
C-34 Pipeline contractors install pipelines for conveying fluids including the trenching, backfilling and paving needed to complete them (CSLB).

The directory on this site lists businesses with an active C-36 license; it does not say which of them take sewer jobs. A business may also hold other classifications — each listing shows any it has in CSLB’s file, and you can confirm on CSLB.

Questions to ask

Which license classification covers this job? Then check it on CSLB (guide).
What is the diagnosis? Ask how the problem was found (for example, a camera inspection) and for the findings in writing.
Repair or replace, and how? Ask whether the plan means excavating, where, and who restores landscaping, concrete or pavers afterward and at what cost.
Permits and inspection. Ask who obtains the permit and schedules the inspection, and confirm with your city or county. See the City of Lancaster Building & Safety or City of Palmdale Building and Safety pages; unincorporated areas use different agencies.
Underground utilities. Ask whether the underground utility locating service (811) will be called before digging.
Price and payment. Get at least three itemized written bids. CSLB’s tip: avoid paying more than 10% down or $1,000, whichever is less, and don’t pay ahead of the work.

General information only. This directory is not a contractor and does not give plumbing advice or quotes. It does not know which listed businesses take which jobs — contact the business directly, verify its license at CSLB, and make your own decision. You contract with and pay the business directly.

Next steps

Browse Lancaster or Palmdale licensed-plumber listings, and read how to check a license on CSLB.