In the East Bay region of California, all residential, commercial, and industrial properties are subject to the East Bay Municipal Utility District Private Sewer Lateral Program (EBMUD PSL) Program. The EBMUD ordinance is a local program designed to improve the quality of San Francisco Bay Area water resources. Old, cracked sewer pipes can allow rain to infiltrate municipal wastewater facilities: … Read More
Why Is Open Trench Excavation Sometimes Necessary for Sewer Line Repair?
Open trench excavation is the traditional and previously most common method for sewer lateral repair or replacement. Open trench excavation involves excavating a trench for the manual installation of each piece of pipe. This type of sewer work is applicable to collapsed pipes, severely broken pipes, and heavy root blockages. The open trench method is, on average, more costly than trenchless … Read More
How To Care For Your Garbage Disposal
A garbage disposal is a convenient tool for discarding food waste during your kitchen cleaning routine. However garbage disposals can accumulate residue and bacteria as discarded food and organic matter decompose. This can result in odors. How Do Garbage Disposals Work? Understanding how your garbage disposal works will help you use it properly as well as extend the service life … Read More
How to Choose the Best Trenchless Sewer Repair Professional
Sewer repair or plumbing projects can be intimidating. Homeowners are not typically plumbing professionals with years of experience. For most property owners, it’s a good idea to hire a professional to help with your sewer repair. But how do you choose between potential trenchless sewer repair professionals? Here’s a guide to help you select the right trenchless sewer repair professional … Read More
Summer Checklist for Your Home Plumbing System
Summertime is upon us in northern California! It’s the time when activities are virtually nonstop. The kids are out of school, having friends over, and using the pool more frequently. Adults are thinking about the family activities and hosting friends on warm evenings. It’s not surprise that as traffic increases in our homes, so do water utility consumption rates. You’ve … Read More
Trenchless Sewer Repair vs. Traditional Sewer Repair
Out of sight is out of mind, and sewage systems are often taken for granted. Until something goes wrong, many people do not realize how critical the humble sewer system can be. As a result, home and business owners are often faced with an unpleasant situation. One thing is for sure: Property owners cannot avoid sewer repairs and maintenance. Damaged … Read More
Sewer Lateral Compliance Guide for HOAs and Condo Owners
Sewer lateral compliance is a frequent topic for property owners in the San Francisco Bay Area, including Oakland and the East Bay. Both homeowner’s associations administrators and HOA members often have questions about how private sewer lateral compliance works.. What is the EBMUD PSL Program? EBMUD (East Bay Municipal District) was formed to improve the water quality of the entire … Read More
Does Homeowner’s Insurance Cover Sewer Line Repair?
When we find ourselves dealing with the challenges of an unforeseen home repair, the first question we have is, “How much is this going to cost?” That question is usually followed by another: “Will my homeowner’s insurance cover any of this?” Below we offer some of the knowledge we have gained in our decades of experience providing professional sewer repair. … Read More
Why do I need to apply for a sewer lateral permit?
Obtaining a sewer lateral permit is required before installing a sewer lateral in Oakland, California. Sewer permits issued by the city are designed to ensure that installation and upgrade work complies with local health and safety ordinances as well as to ensure the public sewer system is protected from any possible damage or contamination. Many cities in the San Francisco … Read More
What Is Sewer System Smoke Testing?
Property owners in Oakland and Berkeley may experience “random city smoke testing.” Local ordinances require sewer lines to be tested for code compliance. What Is Sewer System Smoke Testing? Underground smoke testing is used to detect deficiencies in sewer pipes and the sewage system. Smoke tests can be especially important after episodes of heavy rainfall. Smoke testing is a low-cost … Read More