Media Release
The City of South Pasadena Public Works Department is conducting a city-wide project to inspect and clean the sewer system.
From February through June of 2026, the City’s contractor, PipeTec, Inc., will be using specialized equipment to clean and inspect the condition of the City’s sanitary sewer system.
Cleaning will remove debris, grease, and roots that can cause sewer blockages. Following cleaning, a robotic camera will inspect the condition of the pipes to evaluate the need for future cleaning or repairs.
Cleaning is being performed on sewer main lines, which does not include residential and commercial sewer lateral connections. Per South Pasadena City Code Chapter 30 (Ord. No. 2186, §2, 2009), property owners are responsible for the maintenance and repairs of private property sewer connections to the public sewer.
Crews will need access to sewer manholes for cleaning and inspection, which may result in temporary lane closures, reduced street parking, and other impacts to traffic. Work at each manhole typically takes two to four hours, and impacts to each block should be no more than one day. Crews will make efforts to minimize disruptions while work is underway.
Sewer service will not be interrupted during the cleaning and inspection work. Please note that during cleaning operations you may experience bubbling in sinks and toilets. These bubbles are caused by air pressure changes and are not sewage backflow.
Thank you for your patience and cooperation as the City completes this important infrastructure maintenance.
