How to check if a home already has a sewer lateral certificate
Reviewed by East Bay Sewer Inspection staff
Quick answer: EBMUD's PSL website shows each property's address, parcel number, any scheduled inspection and its certificate status, so buyers and agents can look it up before making an offer. A Compliance Certificate lasts 20 years after a full replacement, or 7 years after a repair or a pass without repair.
Where do I look up a property?
Use the property search on EBMUD's Regional PSL site (eastbaypsl.com, "Check Compliance Status"). EBMUD says the public listing shows the address, parcel number, scheduled inspection appointment and certificate status, to help agents and other professionals with transactions (FAQ). If you have no online access, EBMUD's FAQ gives (510) 287-1178. General questions go to [email protected] or (866) 403-2683.
For Berkeley homes, use the city's online PSL portal, where you can review previous certifications if available (City of Berkeley PSL).
How long does a Compliance Certificate last?
| Work done before the test | Certificate valid for |
|---|---|
| Lateral completely replaced | 20 years |
| Repaired, or passed with no repair | 7 years |
Source: Compliance Certificate and the FAQ. EBMUD says having a valid certificate in hand limits the impact of lateral issues on a later sale, remodel over $100,000 or water meter size change.
The listing shows an older Alameda or Albany certificate
If no EBMUD certificate appears but the seller has an unexpired compliance certificate (or equivalent) from the City of Alameda or Albany, they can apply for an EBMUD Exemption Certificate. It expires on the same date as the city's document (FAQ; Exemption Certificate).
Can I get a certificate if I'm not selling?
Yes. Owners can request a Compliance Certificate voluntarily, following steps V1 to V5 on EBMUD's Voluntary Compliance page: have a plumbing contractor check the lateral, get city permits and repair if needed, then pass the EBMUD-witnessed verification test. EBMUD says having a certificate in hand limits the impact of lateral issues on a future sale, remodel or meter change. It also shows you're meeting your city's maintenance code. The Compliance Certificate fee is $407 as of July 1, 2026 (fees).
What a certificate does and doesn't promise
EBMUD warrants only that the tested part of the lateral passed a verification test on the date shown. It makes no promise about the lateral's current or future condition (Compliance Certificate). Buyers who want to know the pipe's present condition can ask for a recent camera (CCTV) inspection. See sewer lateral inspection.
Frequently asked questions
How long is an EBMUD sewer lateral certificate good for?
20 years if the lateral was completely replaced; 7 years if it was repaired or passed the test without repair.
Can I see if a house has a sewer lateral certificate before I buy?
Yes. EBMUD's PSL website shows each property's address, parcel number, scheduled inspection and certificate status.
How the EBMUD program works · City rules · Fees and costs · Contractors on EBMUD's list · All guides
Sources
- Regional PSL Program FAQ (eastbaypsl.com)
- Compliance Certificate (eastbaypsl.com)
- Voluntary Compliance Certificate (eastbaypsl.com)
- Exemption Certificate (eastbaypsl.com)
- City of Berkeley: Private Sewer Lateral (berkeleyca.gov)