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El Sobrante, CA 94803
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Sewer Certification Service
American Eagle Plumbing & Construction
Sewer Certification El Sobrante, CA
The newly implemented East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD) Private Sewer Lateral (PSL) ordinance requires that all properties within the EBMUD service area undergo a sewer test as part of any real estate transaction. A certificate of compliance for the EBMUD sewer lateral must be issued for the escrow to successfully close.
An EBMUD PSL certificate is granted once the property has successfully passed a pressure/water test, which is inspected by both the local city inspector and EBMUD’s field inspector. These PSL certificates remain valid for either seven years or twenty years, depending on whether the lateral was tested without repairs or with repairs. Condominiums are the only exception to this rule. Additionally, an EBMUD PSL certificate becomes necessary in cases of renovations exceeding $100,000 or when the size of the water meter for a property is increased.
What is a Private Sewer Lateral?
A private sewer lateral (PSL) is the pipeline that connects the plumbing of a residence or business to the main sanitary sewer, typically situated in the street. This PSL transports sewage from a building to a public sanitary sewer. Property owners are responsible for the upkeep of the sewer lateral.
Aging, fractured sewer laterals permit rainwater and groundwater to seep into the sewer system. The influx of excess water can strain wastewater treatment facilities, potentially leading to the discharge of untreated or partially treated sewage into the Bay. Repairing damaged PSLs is crucial for the protection of the Bay.
Private Sewer Lateral FAQs
The East Bay Regional Private Sewer Lateral Program is a joint effort to protect San Francisco Bay. Here are some important questions to help you understand the certification process and program.
How does the Regional Private Sewer Lateral Program protect San Francisco Bay?
By inspecting, testing, and repairing old cracked sewer pipes, we ensure that during storms, rainwater does not enter sanitary sewer lines. Too much rainwater can overwhelm the sanitary sewer system and the treatment plant, allowing sewage to overflow into the Bay.
What are the problems associated with private sewer laterals (PSLs)?
Most East Bay homes were built before 1950, and many have never had their original PSLs replaced. Over time, these pipelines (generally made of clay) can crack, become disjointed or displaced, and can be subjected to intrusion by tree roots, causing leaks and blockages. Rainwater and groundwater can enter the sanitary sewer system through these sewer lateral defects, potentially overloading the treatment system.
Where does this private sewer lateral program apply?
These requirements will affect properties in the EBMUD wastewater service area in Emeryville, Oakland, Piedmont, El Cerrito, Kensington, and the Richmond Annex. The cities of Alameda, Albany and Berkeley have local private sewer lateral ordinances already in effect and manage their own programs. Check with these cities for their specific PSL requirements.
The PSL on my property has passed its test and a Compliance Certificate has been issued. How long is the Compliance Certificate good for?
If the work done was a complete replacement, the Compliance Certificate is valid for 20 years. For certificates obtained without complete replacement (repair or passed test without repair), the certificate is valid for 7 years.
Why does EBMUD require an air or water verification test?
The plumbing industry has determined that an air pressure test or water exfiltration test is the best way to ensure that the PSL does not allow water from the surrounding soil to infiltrate the sanitary sewer system.
What if I own or manage a property with a large private sewer system like a campus facility or business park?
You will have until July 2016 to develop a Condition Assessment Plan describing how you will inspect all of your PSLs. By July 2021, you must complete your assessment and submit a Work Plan to the Regional PSL Program which details the condition of your sewer system and your plan to complete needed repairs or replacements.
Do these requirements apply to commercial, industrial and residential properties?
Yes. If your property falls within the green shaded area on the map on p.3, simply follow the steps outlined for obtaining a Compliance Certificate (p.6, steps S1-S5).
I own a condominium. How does this apply to me?
Homeowners associations for multi-unit buildings have until July 2021 to comply. Contact your homeowners association for additional details.
Where can I go for more information?
For more information regarding the Regional Private Sewer Lateral Program call
1-866-40-EBMUD or email psl@ebmud.com.
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