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

Sewer Lateral Compliance as it Relates to Buying a Home in the East Bay

When purchasing a home in the East Bay, many people are unaware of the property’s sewer lateral compliance status. This can create many pitfalls and missteps that can lead to a lot of expensive consequences for homeowners. As sewer lateral compliance is one of the most complex processes a homeowner will go through around purchasing a new house, Pipe Spy … Read More

How We Replace Sewer Lines in the Basement or Under a Slab Foundation

One of the most unfortunate places for a sewer line leak is in your concrete basement or especially under a slab foundation home. These leaks can exponentially increase your water bill and cause long-term property damage if unresolved. But don’t panic if you notice signs of sewer line damage in your basement. Pipe Spy may be able to help you … Read More

HOA Sewer Lateral Compliance 2020: What You’ll Need to Know to Get Started

This post is the first in our HOA Sewer Lateral Compliance Series. Home Owner Associations (HOAs) in the Bay Area need to be ready to obtain their sewer compliance by 2020. With the deadline right around the corner, the East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD), particular cities, and Pipe Spy are encouraging HOAs to prepare for obtaining their sewer compliance. … Read More

Sustainable Plumbing: Improving the World and Leaving No One Behind

Sustainable plumbing has plenty of benefits, including energy and water conservation, waste reduction, and cost effectivenes. For those reasons, it’s best for communities, households, and individuals to invest in reliable plumbing systems. Due to the many great benefits of sustainable plumbing, we want to spread awareness about the many upcoming recognition days meant to acknowledge the work we do as plumbers, … Read More

The Busiest Time for a Plumber

Every industry has fluctuations throughout the year, and plumbing’s no different. Factors such as weather and seasonal demands determine the busiest time for a plumber. Calling a plumber when they are at the height of their busy season can delay more urgent maintenance and repairs. So, knowing these times is important so you can plan accordingly. When is the Busiest … Read More

The History of Trenchless Sewer Repair

Over the past few decades, trenchless technology has revolutionized sewer repair. No-dig sewer replacement has become more well-known in recent years thanks to benefits, such as environmental friendliness, cost savings, and minimal disturbance to surroundings. But did you know that this method wasn’t approved for use by local contractors in the East Bay area prior to 1998? Why Trenchless Sewer … Read More

How to Prepare for El Niño: Managing Sewer Lines

How will El Niño Affect Sewer Lines? El Niño’s storm systems have the potential to wreak havoc on your sewer lines. If El Niño brings rain to the Bay Area this winter, flooding and sewer backups are likely to happen; if your drains and sewers aren’t clean, you could have ugly plumbing issues. Storms and clogged drains are a bad … Read More

Commercial Plumbing Tips

In providing commercial plumbing services throughout Oakland, Berkeley and surrounding communities in the East Bay, our team has grown accustomed to solving many unique plumbing challenges associated with commercial properties. This includes complying with regulations, recognizing when unexpected regulations may come into effect, and providing guidance to customers dealing with confusing jargon. Today we would like to share the following … Read More

Sustainable Plumbing: Groundwater, Rainwater, Drinking Water & Beyond

In order to invest in sustainability, communities, households, and individuals must have reliable plumbing systems that save water and energy. Sustainable Plumbing Awareness Efficient plumbing layouts, hot water circulation, wastewater collection, and other sewage related strategies can have a sizeable impact on sustainability goals. For this reason, we want to recognize and share some of the many upcoming recognition days … Read More