Navigating California's Sewer Systems: A Comprehensive Guide for Homeowners

Sewer systems are a way of life in every California city and town. They operate silently and efficiently beneath our feet, accomplishing a vital yet unglamorous function. Understanding and maintaining your home’s sewer system and the systems that serve your community can be confusing, frustrating, and even intimidating for the homeowner. 

Sewer systems are very complex, and only some homeowners have, or will ever have, any reason to understand their construction and function under streets and homes across California. This brief article will not make you an expert, but it will give you a basic understanding of these systems’ function, function, and maintenance, along with some helpful tips on dealing with joint problems.

1. The Basics of California Sewer Systems

What’s the old joke? “My granddad told me that sewer systems separate us from the animals.” Yes, every great city has them, but how do they work? California’s incredibly diverse geography and climate have greatly influenced the design and function of sewer systems here. 

2. Homeowner Responsibilities

Do you have any responsibilities regarding your sewer system as a homeowner? Although simple in design, these systems require a lot of care, and how you use your system can either help keep it in service for a long time or force it into frequent and expensive repairs. 

Learn what to look for in a periodic inspection of your system, how small efforts to watch what and how you dispose of certain materials can be a big help, and how a shallow understanding of how your sewer system works almost always begins with the connection between your property’s sewer lateral and the sewer system’s main line out to the treatment facility. 

3. Common Issues and Troubleshooting 

It’s 2:30 in the morning. You’re awakened by the family dog barking maniacally on the back porch, or your two-year-old cries because the toilet didn’t flush. Up and out in the backyard, you quickly find the likely reason. You step into the ankle-deep water on the patio and listen. Water pressure makes that hissing sound beneath the soil around the foundation like you’ve heard twice before. 

And after much reading and an enormous water bill both times, you remember that hissing doesn’t stop on its own. It could be a broken pipe or a “leak” in your sewer line. In the trades, they call a blockage in your sewer line a “stoppage.” Here are some clues you can listen, look, and feel for. Keep an eye on them; you can often address many of your sewer line issues yourself.

4. Routine Maintenance Tips

The adage that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure certainly rings true regarding sewer systems. You’ll discover practical tips for keeping your pipes clear, maintaining the flow, and avoiding costly repair bills by following a few maintenance suggestions. A little effort today can help extend the life of your sewer system, save you from a surprise nightmare down the road, and prevent any overflows from fouling your day.

5. Sewer Inspections and Repairs

The best time to discover a problem with a home’s sewer is before buying it. Professional sewer inspections are invaluable for new home buyers, and you’ll learn why it’s a mistake to assume the system is in good working order just because everything came out fine on an inspection report. 

Discover technologies like sewer cameras that make it possible to get a close-up, real-time view of anything that might be going on within the sewer lines and why the knowledge of a professional team is essential when interpreting those images. Plus, you’ll get a view of the available repair options when a problem is found and output you can use to make an informed decision.

6. Local Regulations and Compliance

In California, as in the rest of the country, there are regulations on the books that govern sewer systems — and for good reason. You’ll get to know the ordinances that govern sewer systems — from the property owner’s responsibility to restrictions on stormwater — the permitting process, and the regulations related to sewer systems designed to protect the environment and public health.

Finale

As a conscientious homeowner, it’s essential to be in the know when it comes to the sewer system of your California home. This guide will put you in the driver’s seat, ensuring it’s an efficient and healthy system while keeping your property, your environment, and your neighbors’ from being contaminated.

The breakdown of California’s sewer systems is something of a perfect catastrophe. However, much in the same way, the deterioration of a house can be mitigated through a structured schedule of upkeep – sewers are the same. By staying informed and following best practices, you can do your part in the longevity and functionality of your state’s sewer infrastructure and enjoy life’s most minor convenience with your community.

Have questions or need professional assistance with your sewer system? Contact us today for expert advice and reliable services tailored to California homeowners.