East Valley Water District supplies water to Highland properties and reviews sewer connections, since City plan-check rules require structures to connect to sewer where it's available, subject to EVWD review. The City's Building & Safety Division issues plumbing and water heater permits. Call the number on this page to be connected with a local plumber in Highland.
Local conditions in Highland
Highland sits at the southern base of the San Bernardino Mountains and is divided into Highland, East Highland and West Highland; its growth came from navel oranges and the railroads. Commercial buildings along Base Line, on Fifth Street (the historic Santa Ana Canyon Road) and around the Palm Avenue historic district deal with East Valley Water District for water and, where mains are available, sewer. The City's plan-check handout lists EVWD among the approvals needed before a permit, and an EVWD availability letter posted by the City confirms water and sewer mains fronting a Highland property. Whether every address is in EVWD territory wasn't verified, so check the bill.
The City's permit page says plumbing systems and water heaters require permits. Building & Safety is at 27215 Base Line Street; the permit counter is (909) 864-8732 ext. 232, and inspection requests go to ext. 228. Construction here spans many decades: about 44 percent of homes were built before 1980, with the 1980s and 1990s the busiest decades, so older galvanized supply pipe and cast iron or clay drains can still turn up, especially in converted or mixed-use buildings.
Repair or replace in a Highland commercial building
| Component | Repair when | Replace when |
|---|---|---|
| Drain or lateral | A camera finds one root intrusion or a single offset joint | Cast iron is scaled through or clay is cracked in several places |
| Water heater | A valve, thermostat or burner part has failed | The tank leaks or demand has outgrown it |
| Supply piping | One fitting or short section leaks | Old galvanized pipe restricts flow throughout |
| Restroom fixtures | Flush valves or cartridges are worn | China is cracked or the layout is changing |
Signs of trouble
- Rust-tinted water after a weekend closure
- Drains that slow down every few weeks
- A water heater that can't keep up with the day's demand
- Low pressure on one side of the building
- A musty or sewer smell near floor drains
Seasonal notes
Because Highland sits against the mountains, winter nights can run colder than on the valley floor, so exposed backflow assemblies, hose bibbs and rooftop lines are worth insulating. Heavy winter storms test roof drains and older laterals, and summer heat pushes irrigation and cooling demand. Book permit-required work early enough that inspections don't fall in a busy week.
Commercial Plumbing questions in Highland
How do we confirm which water agency serves our commercial address?
What if our commercial property isn't on municipal sewer?
Where do we get a plumbing permit for work on a commercial building?
What should staff do if they smell gas at work?
More plumbing services in Highland
Commercial Plumbing nearby
Helpful guides
Sources
Last updated: