We are cleaning and inspecting sewer lines throughout San Francisco. The work is being done by our crews and by contractors working for the SFPUC. What does sewer cleaning work entail? Using high pressure water hoses and vacuum trucks, crews flush the pipes and catch basins. Obstructive debris is removed and properly discarded. Sewer lines vary in diameter from a few inches to eight feet. In order to clean the larger lines properly, specially trained crews wearing protective clothing and safety gear may be needed to physically walk the sewer. How long does it take? Sewer cleaning work