City Of Ventura Sewer Compliance
Did you know that as of February 3, 2014, the City of Ventura requires sewer lateral inspections for newly closed property purchases? The local ordinance is a direct result of a lawsuit that held the City of Ventura accountable for a sewage overflow, thus aiming to prevent disruptions when it comes to the operation of the public sewer.
These newly required inspections help residents and property owners identify any issues in their sewer lateral line, which connects a business or home’s plumbing system to the city’s main sewage system. Keep in mind that the property owner is responsible for the entire pipe length–not just the portion underneath their property. Although the City of Ventura is responsible for maintenance on all main pipelines, the sewer lateral line must be maintained by the property owner according to the law.
If you’re a local Ventura or Santa Barbara real estate agent or a potential seller, it is highly essential to have a licensed plumber inspect your property’s sewer lateral line prior to the opening of escrow. This will ensure that you have plenty of time to complete the inspection and required paperwork. After the inspections, sellers are required to submit the Private Sewer Lateral Inspection Report to the City of Ventura’s Building and Safety Division before closing a sale. In the event that a sewer lateral line needs repair, the buyer and seller must reach an agreement that outlines who is responsible for financing and fixing it. Generally, any repairs will need to be made within 6 months of the sewer lateral inspection.
The Ojai Valley Sanitation District
Similarly, as of December 1st, 2015, the Ojai Valley Sanitation District (OVSD) requires that any newly purchased home or property that enters its period of escrow must undergo a sewer lateral inspection. Although the OVSD remains responsible for the main sewer line, it is the homeowner’s duty to maintain and repair the lateral line that connects from their property to the main sewer line.
If you’re in need of a sewer lateral inspection for your residential or commercial property in Ventura County and surrounding areas, call (805) 750-1830.
What Is Wrong With My Private Sewer Lateral?
The condition of your private sewer lateral will ultimately determine where your home’s wastewater travels, as well as whether or not groundwater and/or rain runoff will enter the pipe. Pipe failure usually comes in the form of breaks or blockages that cause low water pressure or clogs.
Some of the main causes of sewer lateral failure include, but aren’t limited to:
- Natural erosion from wastewater
- Pipe corrosion, calcification, and/or scale build-up
- Shifting soil
- Tree root intrusion
All homeowners and property owners must keep in mind that when a sewer lateral line ages, it becomes more vulnerable to breakage and other damage. Also, the average lifetime of a private sewer lateral depends on the material used to construct the pipe. Although clay pipes are the most common, the old-style hub and spigot joints fail after a certain amount of time, causing the pipeline to break. These days, the most widely used material for pipes and sewer lines is high-density polyethylene (HDPE), since it is a more durable, cost-effective solution that is faster to repair, and 100+ years of useful life.
Common problems caused by a broken private sewer lateral include:
- Sewer back-ups
- Local soil and creek contamination caused by leaks and/or spills
- Excessive wastewater is polluting local bodies of water
- An overflow of raw sewage caused by water intrusion and root growth
Sewer Lateral Inspections & First-Time Homebuyers
Not many first-time homebuyers consider sewer lateral inspections. Although it’s widely known that homebuyers are expected to complete an inspection before purchasing their property, sewer lines are often overlooked. However, avoiding a sewer lateral inspection can pose more costly damages (and even structural damage) down the road.
If you can’t remember the last time your sewer line has been inspected, it’s time to contact your local plumbing contractors today!
Sewer Lateral Inspection Key Facts
- If your home or building is older than 20 years, a sewer lateral inspection will determine if your lines are faulty and require replacement. Even if a sewer line is fairly new compared to homes built before 1950, tree roots can still intrude on your lines.
- Did you know that roots crawl into tiny openings and expand in your sewer line? They then latch on to other debris, such as grease, eggshells, or other food waste, which typically cause clogs or back-ups. Also, chemicals can sometimes damage a tree’s roots, which can damage your pipes in the process.
- Some homes constructed before the main sewer lines still rely on cesspools. Surprisingly, some cesspools have been left intact and connected to the sewer line–even after cities installed public septic systems. A sewer lateral inspection will be able to determine if your property’s sewer lines are still connected to a cesspool.
- With homes built in the 1950s, many sewer lines were made from tar paper. These are typically referred to as Orangeburg pipes, and they tend to disintegrate and collapse over time. If a home is 60 years or older, your sewer lines will undoubtedly need to be replaced if they haven’t already.
- Before your sewer lateral inspection, be sure to ask your plumbing contractor about the type of material your current sewer lines are made from. Depending on when your house was built, sewer lines can be constructed from different materials, including Orangeburg, clay, and cast iron.