Sewer Lines, Storm Drains, and the California Rainy Season

Note: This post was originally written in 2015 and has been updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness. Wintertime is the typical rainy season in California. Did you know the rain often brings challenges for homeowners and commercial property owners along with it? From backups to flooding and a whole host of other problems, the rainy season will likely provide many challenges to … Read More

EBMUD Private Sewer Lateral (PSL) Compliance

East Bay EBMUD COMPLIANCE

With mandates from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the California Regional Water Quality Control Board, the East Bay Municipal District (EBMUD) formed the East Bay Regional Private Sewer Lateral Program. The EBMUD PSL Program has a large impact on Bay area residents and property owners, especially those with old and aging sewer laterals in need of repair. … Read More

How Pipe Spy Oakland is Coping with the Pandemic

Oakland East Bay plumber

It’s not a shock that a lot of small businesses are hurting right now. Implementing new safety protocols, buying new equipment and PPE for workers, and changing policies to keep employees and customers safe. The task at hand, this past summer, for companies that have been able to maintain operations has been to shift. Many small businesses in the East … Read More

The Importance of a Sewer Inspection Before Buying a Home

Buying a home can be one of the most challenging things you do in life. It’s often a stressful process with so many things you need to discover, learn, and understand. The laundry list of items to be considered seems never ending, and well-intended custodians can sometimes forget to disclose costly details in the race to win you the home … Read More

How to Identify the Symptoms of a Sewer Line Break

identify broken sewer line

The sewer line is a part of your house. Just like your roof, your doors and your windows – it serves a particular function and purpose. If left unchecked, breaks and fractures can cause a lot of distress and property damage. Learning how to identify the symptoms of a sewer line break can prevent these issues. Common Symptoms and Solutions … Read More

5 Signs You May Need to Replace Your Water Line

Oakland sewer leak

A water line break is the last thing you want to come home to after a hard day at work. You’re tired, you likely don’t know where to start in getting help, and you imagine its going to be expensive to repair. The tough thing about this situation is that inaction can lead to more damage and higher cost. With … Read More

10 Questions To Ask A New Sewer Contractor

Pipe Spy plumbers

Selecting an experienced plumber can be a challenging task. Making the right choice for your project can consist of a lot of factors and you’ll want to know how to screen for the best service you can find. Dealing with underground plumbing issues often requires a fast response. You want a company that is reliable and can communicate effectively so … Read More

COVID-19: A Thank You to Essential Service Workers

Lab Worker Holds Test Tube of Blood Labeled Coronavirus COVID-19 Disease.

It’s difficult to describe what we are all experiencing as a result of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Every aspect of our daily lives (work, home, and social) has been impacted. We hope that you’re keeping updated as the situation unfolds and as communities continue sheltering in place to protect themselves and their loved ones. Many businesses are closed, and … Read More

How to Maintain Your Water Heater

It’s easy to forget about maintenance for your water heater because they can work just fine for 10 or more years without paying much attention to them. But did you know you could extend the life of your water heater with just a bit of maintenance each year? In this article, we’ll show you some useful tips on how to maintain your … Read More

What Are Grease Traps and How Do They Benefit Sewer Lines

When fat, oil, and grease (FOG) are poured down the drain, sewer blockages and overflows can occur. Sewer overflows spill raw sewage onto city streets and sidewalks, into storm drains leading to the Bay, and onto your property becoming a health hazard. Grease traps and supporting systems and services can help reduce blockages and overflows in our draining systems. What Are … Read More