Sewer Lateral Made Simple

Professional Sewer Repairs, Replacements & Inspections Throughout San Mateo County

As a Class A licensed contractor, we specialize in high-volume, time-sensitive point-of-sale sewer lateral compliance. We understand that real estate transactions move fast, which is why we provide a hassle-free process from start to finish. Our team handles everything, including communicating with municipalities and securing all required permits, so your clients don’t have to lift a finger.

We prioritize advanced trenchless technology, including CIPP (pipe lining) and pipe bursting, to protect landscaping and save time. When site conditions require traditional open-trench excavation, we handle that seamlessly as well.

Partner with us to help keep your escrows on track and your clients stress-free. We bridge the gap between heavy-duty plumbing and engineering expertise and the fast-paced needs of real estate transactions.

License Number: 1028983 CLASS A

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Who We Are

Experience You Can Count On

Since we have opened our business we have operated built on responsibility, quality workmanship, and strong relationships with our clients. We understand that working on a property during a sale is a delicate process. Timing, communication, and attention to detail are essential, which is why we take extra care to make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible for homeowners, Realtors, and other professionals involved in the transaction.

We take pride in being careful with every project and delivering a finished product that reflects the quality of our work. Safety is always our first priority, both for our employees and for the properties and people we work around. We believe that doing the job correctly means more than simply completing the work. It means treating every property with care and leaving it in the best condition possible.

Our team is friendly, responsive, and committed to building long-term relationships with our clients. We are proud to have become a trusted contractor in Hillsborough and throughout the surrounding communities.

At the end of the day, we believe our reputation is built on three things: doing quality work, treating people with respect, and standing behind what we do.

Construction workers paving a driveway in front of a house, with tools, orange traffic cones, and construction signs visible.

Workers in orange safety vests and white helmets working on repairing or sealing the driveway in front of a garage, with orange traffic cones and construction tools around.

Our Services

View of a landscaping or construction site in a residential neighborhood with a large tree and bushes, an open hole with a concrete pipe, and construction equipment nearby.

A garden bed with plants and mulch, bordered by rocks, under a large tree with a shaded trunk. A white sprinkler head is in the garden, and a house with large windows is visible in the background.

Front yard of a house under construction with two workers in orange safety vests, a tree with large green leaves, a white truck, and orange traffic cones on the sidewalk.

Construction site showing a large trench dug into the ground with a worker wearing a safety vest and helmet, using a tool near a boarded-up doorway and construction equipment around.

Pipe bursting is a trenchless method used to replace existing underground pipelines—such as sewer, water, or gas lines—without the need for continuous open trench excavation. Instead of long trenches, only small launching and receiving pits are required at each end of the pipe run.
This approach is often preferred because it minimizes surface disruption, reduces restoration costs, and allows for faster installation compared to traditional excavation methods.
In these situations, an open trench is excavated along the full length of the pipeline (gas, water, or sewer). This method is typically used when installing a completely new line or when adjustments are required due to changes or inconsistencies in the existing terrain.
Open trenching is also necessary in cases where multiple utilities are installed in close proximity to one another. In these conditions, full exposure of the work area helps ensure proper alignment and reduces the risk of accidental damage to adjacent lines during installation or correction work.
CIPP installation (Cured-In-Place Pipe) is a trenchless pipe rehabilitation method used to repair existing sewer, storm drain, or water pipelines without full excavation.
The process involves inserting a flexible, resin-saturated liner into the damaged pipe, which is then inflated and cured (using hot water, steam, or UV light) to form a new, seamless pipe within the existing structure. Once cured, the liner becomes a strong, durable pipe that seals cracks, prevents leaks, and restores structural integrity.
CIPP is commonly used to extend the lifespan of aging infrastructure while minimizing surface disruption, traffic impacts, and restoration costs compared to traditional dig-and-replace methods.
In many municipalities, such as Hillsborough and the City of San Mateo, a passing sewer inspection is required as part of the home sale process. Our company is pleased to assist homeowners in meeting these requirements.
To support this process, we have developed strong working relationships with local realtors, allowing us to efficiently coordinate inspections, assist homeowners, and provide timely repair bids when necessary.
We conduct our inspections using top-of-the-line equipment. Our sewer cameras produce high-quality video footage that accurately captures the condition of the pipeline.
All inspection videos are recorded in accordance with municipal guidelines, clearly documenting the condition of the line and identifying any defects or areas of concern.
While requirements may vary between municipalities, we strive to provide all necessary information to ensure accurate assessments and compliance. A clear, detailed inspection video can often be the determining factor between a passing and failing inspection.
Contact us if you would like to know how we can assist you with any other sewer-related issues.

Here’s what some of our work entails

Who we Partner with

Real Estate Professionals

A trusted partner for Realtors, providing professional sewer inspections, municipal compliance, and efficient solutions that help simplify the home buying and selling process.

Homeowners

Helping homeowners preserve the integrity and value of their property through professional sewer inspections, repairs, and replacements.

Property Managers

Keeping properties operating efficiently through proactive planning, responsive service, and reliable infrastructure solutions.

Contractors

Supporting construction projects with quality workmanship, dependable scheduling, and seamless coordination from beginning to end.

Serving the Peninsula

River Engineering Inc. proudly serves communities throughout the San Francisco Peninsula, providing sewer inspections, trenchless sewer replacement, sewer repairs, water and gas services, and municipal permit coordination with exceptional attention to detail.