Garbage Disposal Repair in Lake Elsinore, CA

Who handles the sewer my disposal drains into?

Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District (EVMWD) provides water, wastewater and reclaimed water service to the city. Wastewater is treated at EVMWD's Regional, Railroad Canyon and Horsethief water reclamation facilities, and flows from the southern collection system go to Rancho California Water District's Santa Rosa facility. The pipes inside your home and the line out to the district's system are where disposal clogs form, so they are the owner's to clear. On the water side, EVMWD maintains everything from the main through the meter box, and the customer is responsible for plumbing on the property from the meter box on.

If you see sewage outdoors or suspect the district's line is blocked, EVMWD's main number is 951-674-3146.

Is Lake Elsinore water hard on a disposal?

It varies with the source. EVMWD's report lists the local Elsinore groundwater blend at an average of 338 ppm total hardness, imported water through EMWD's Auld Valley Pipeline at 217 ppm, and Western MWD's Temescal Valley Pipeline supply at 93 ppm. About 85 percent of EVMWD water is imported. The disposal itself shrugs off hard water, but scale can crust the dishwasher inlet, the countertop air gap and slow drips around the sink, and a plumber often cleans or replaces those parts during a disposal visit.

Will the city want a permit?

The City of Lake Elsinore Building & Safety Division states that permits are required to install, alter, repair or replace any plumbing or gas system. That is broad language, so ask the plumber whether your disposal job falls under it, or check with the division at 130 S. Main Street, 951-674-3124, or through its Citizen Self Service portal.

One local note

Turn the unit off and unplug it or trip its breaker before anyone looks inside, keep chemical openers out of the drain, and mention whether the dishwasher or any other fixture is affected. That helps the plumber bring the right parts for a disposal problem or the right tools for a drain clog. If a leak has soaked the cabinet floor, take a photo before it dries; it helps show how long the drip has been going and whether the cabinet base needs attention after the repair.