Sewer Line Repair in Lake Elsinore, CA

Who runs the sewer in Lake Elsinore?

According to the City's environmental review, Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District (EVMWD) provides water, wastewater and recycled water service to Lake Elsinore. Wastewater is treated at EVMWD's Regional, Railroad Canyon and Horsethief water reclamation facilities, and flows from the southern part of the collection system go to Rancho California Water District's Santa Rosa facility. The former Elsinore Water District, which served Country Club Heights and parts of Lakeland Village, was folded into EVMWD.

For a problem in the public sewer, call EVMWD at 951-674-3146. For a clog, break or root problem between your house and the connection, call a plumber.

What kinds of sewer damage show up here?

Lake Elsinore began as a lakeside resort town and grew into a suburban city, so its homes range from older lots near the lake and in Country Club Heights to newer subdivisions such as Tuscany Hills, Summerly and Alberhill. Housing age varies across the city, but the pattern is familiar: older rigid pipe tends to fail at joints and crack with age, and newer plastic pipe tends to sag or separate where the ground settled. On sloped lots, laterals can be long and follow the grade, and soil movement stresses their joints.

Roots, grease and wipes cause many of the clogs that bring people to the phone. A camera inspection shows which problem you have.

Is a permit required for sewer line repair?

The City of Lake Elsinore Building & Safety Division says permits are required to install, alter, repair or replace any plumbing system, which covers sewer pipe repair. The division is at 130 S. Main Street, 951-674-3124, and applications can be made through the City's Citizen Self Service portal. Clearing a clog does not normally involve the City, but replacing pipe does.

A local note

Summer heat around the lake pushes roots deeper in search of water, and winter storms are when partly blocked lines tend to back up. A camera inspection during dry weather lets you plan a repair instead of reacting to one. When you call, mention where the cleanout is and whether the line has been cleared or scoped before.