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
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
How to Troubleshoot Sewer Line Problems
Even if you haven’t noticed any issues, undiagnosed sewer line problems have the potential to cause extensive damage to your home if not remediated in the early stages of malfunction. Sewer line symptoms like clogs, backups, or oder are warning signs that should alert homeowners to possible sewer line damage. If you identify any of these sewer line problem warning … Read More
How to Identify and Repair a Sewer Line Belly
Sewer line bellies are a common problem with sewer pipes and can be a real headache for homeowners. A belly or sag in a sewer pipe will eventually lead to standing water and sediment collecting inside the sewer line, which over time results in erosion, blockage, and ultimately a major sewer line backup. What Is a Belly in a Sewer … Read More
Locate Underground Utility Lines – Before You Begin Digging
Replacing underground utilities is a complex process. Whenever excavating or digging into the ground is required, it’s critical to understand exactly where buried utility lines are located – in order to avoid causing serious damage to underground infrastructure on your property. Here’s what you need to know before digging. What Are Underground Utilities? The term “utility” refers to the services provided … Read More
What Is Pipe Bursting Technology?
What Is Pipe Bursting? Pipe bursting is a trenchless sewer repair method that involves breaking and expanding the existing buried sewer line while simultaneously replacing it with new high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipes. Pipe bursting does not require the use of added chemicals or other contaminants. Coupled with the long lifespan of the environmentally-safe HDPE pipe, pipe bursting is considered to be a … Read More
Winter Rains Have Arrived in the Bay Area
Unlike recent past years, the rainy winter season is actually bringing rain this year to the San Francisco Bay Area and Oakland! Our cities are finally getting a good rinse, trees and foliage are receiving badly needed hydration, and the Sierras are seeing record snowfall. We can all be thankful for the precipitation in our wildfire and drought-prone California. While … Read More
Keep Your Holidays Happy with Free Flowing Drains!
You’ve spent the entire day cooking and feasting with friends and family. Everyone has a full belly and is full of good cheer. The turkey and fixings were delicious, and reconnecting with loved ones feels particularly gratifying in these pandemic times. Fortunately, the relatives jump into action when it’s time to clean up. Uncle is at the sink rinsing dishes, … Read More
New California Law Requires Use of Lead-Free Plumbing Fixtures
California Governor Gavin Newsom recently signed into law a slew of state legislation. On the climate front, the governor signed bills that will ban gas-powered lawncare equipment and mowers as well as a bill that lowers minimum vehicle speed limit for municipalities. On the hospitality front, the California executive also signed bills to make takeaway cocktails and and remove restrictions … Read More
Is Buying Sewer Insurance a Good Idea?
You may have heard about sewer insurance and wondered whether you should invest in the protection. Indeed sewer line and sewer lateral repairs can easily run into the thousands of dollars. Why not get insurance and peace of mind, if monthly premiums are only around 15 dollars a month? Well, like many things in life: It’s complicated. First of all, … Read More