FAQs • Hillsborough, CA • CivicEngage

The drains / sewers in my street smell bad. What can I do?: If there is an overflow of sewage requiring immediate attention, please call Public Works at 650-375-7444 during business hours, or the Police Department 650-375-7470 after business hours.

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Public Works

1. How do I locate my backflow device or clean out?: Both the backflow device and clean out are located on your sewer lateral, which connects your home to the town's main.

A backflow device is usually located within 10 feet of the street. It is buried in the ground, usually within a small concrete box marked as sewer.

There can be more than one clean out on a lateral or directly from your home. One cleanout is usually located immediately outside your residence. If you walk the perimeter of your home you are likely to find at least one black 4" pipe on an outside wall or in the ground at grade level. (The lid should rest on the pipe, and not be screwed down, as that would prevent proper operation of the clean out, which should permit sewage to escape so it does not come out of your household fixtures. The town provides free pop-up lids that break when under sewer pressure.)

If you need assistance, please contact Public Works at 650-375-7444. Sewer Smart

2. The drains / sewers in my street smell bad. What can I do?: If there is an overflow of sewage requiring immediate attention, please call Public Works at 650-375-7444 during business hours, or the Police Department 650-375-7470 after business hours.

3. To whom do I report a chlorine smell in the water?: A chlorine smell can represent a problem with water quality. Please report it to Public Works at 650-375-7444 or, after hours, contact the Police Department 650-375-7470.

4. What can I do about construction noise?: If you believe that construction is occurring at times other than those permitted in Hillsborough (Monday - Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturdays, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.; no work on Sundays and Town Hall holidays), please contact the Police Department. For noise that you believe is too loud, also contact the Police Department. Patrol Officers will measure the decibels with decibel meter if there are concerns.

5. Who is responsible for trimming street trees?: Generally, residents are responsible for trimming trees along the frontage of their properties. The town maintains trees on public properties.

6. Who manages or maintains city-owned / public properties?: Most town public properties are managed and maintained by the Public Works Department. They can be contacted at 650-375-7444.