As a homeowner, it’s important to have basic knowledge about repairing and maintaining common issues that arise over the lifetime of a house. Many homeowners become extremely adept at managing household projects and repairs. But there is one DIY project that is definitely not basic and best left to the plumbing professionals: sewer line repair. Sewer repairs can become very … Read More
What Are Requirements for Private Sewer Laterals in Oakland and the East Bay?
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
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
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
Sinkholes: When Sewer Repair Goes Wrong
Some homeowners find themselves dealing with an unexpected and worsening problem on their property: sinkholes. Sinkholes are usually an artificial problem typically caused damaged sewage pipes and drainpipes, broken septic tanks, buried trash, or soil that was not properly compacted after excavation work. Sinkholes can appear where underground sewer pipes have been damaged. This is especially noticeable when the soil … Read More
Do Low-Flow Toilets Cause Sewer System Problems?
Low-flow toilets have become popular in recent years. As the name suggests, low-flow toilets use less water, which is an important consideration in the drought-prone San Francisco Bay Area. However, there are possible downsides to low-flow toilet fixtures and the effect they can have on your sewer and plumbing system: things to keep in mind if you’re thinking about purchasing … Read More
PSL Pressure Testing Procedure
If you’re a property owner in the San Francisco Bay Area, make sure sure informed about private sewer later (PSL) pressure tests. A PSL pressure test affects private sewer laterals in the East Bay and much of the greater Bay Area. PSL pressure tests are essential for current and potential property owners who wish to buy, sell, build, or remodel … Read More
How to Clean a Sewer Line
The toilet water is bubbling. Water is backing up in the tub. The kitchen sink drain is making a sucking sound. It’s time to clean your sewer line. Clearing a sewer blockage isn’t usually something people are excited to talk about. But if you’re experiencing any of the issues above, there’s a good chance you need to clean out your private … Read More