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
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 Avoid Low-Quality, Uninsured Plumbing Services
Many of us remember an old auto repair commercial that goes “Pay me now, or pay me later.” The same principle applies to plumbing services and repair. The message boils down to “You can pay now to get the job done right, or you can pay twice: once in an attempt to save money and then once again to get … Read More