What happens when you receive a Deficiency Notice?

sewer-camera-inspection-in-progress

If you receive a deficiency notice for your private sewer lateral from the City of Oakland or other East Bay municipality, it means the city has identified a problem with the pipe that carries wastewater from your house to the main sewer line, i.e, your private sewer lateral. As a homeowner, you are responsible for addressing this issue. Here’s what … Read More

How To Unclog A Sewer Lateral

clogged sink drain

A clog in your sewer line can be frustrating, especially if you don’t know what’s causing it or what to do next. Here’s how to address both minor and major clogs – and how to tell the difference between the two. A Clogged Sewer Lateral Is a Big Problem When clogged, private sewer laterals (PSLs) can damage other parts of … Read More

Why You Should Avoid a DIY Sewer Line Repair

sewer-backup-diagram

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?

sewer-camera-inspection-in-progress

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

Does Homeowner’s Insurance Cover Sewer Line Repair?

Homeowners-Insurance-Policy plumbing

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?

sewer-connection

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

Sinkholes: When Sewer Repair Goes Wrong

Sinkhole-Moraga

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 High Efficiency-Toilets

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

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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

What Is a Private Sewer Lateral and How Does It Work?

PSL private-sewer-lateral-repair-replacement

Most homeowners only think about sewer lines until there’s a problem. Whenever there’s and problem with your home’s sewage system – and you live in Oakland or the East Bay – chances are you’ll be learning about the concept of a private sewer lateral (or PSL). What is a Private Sewer Lateral? A private sewer lateral (PSL) is the pipe that connects … Read More