Plumbers in Moreno Valley, CA

East of Riverside, between the mountain and the base

Moreno Valley's center is about 10 miles east of Riverside in a straight line. The city formed in 1984 when Sunnymead, Edgemont and Moreno joined, and with 208,634 people in the 2020 Census it is the second-largest city in Riverside County. Box Springs Mountain marks the west side, March Air Reserve Base sits along the south, and Lake Perris lies just beyond the southern edge. SR-60 and I-215 carry most traffic, and Rancho Belago is among its newer neighborhoods.

Two water providers and two sewer agencies

Eastern Municipal Water District (EMWD) serves most of the city. Its water is mainly imported from the Metropolitan Water District (Colorado River and State Water Project), backed by managed local groundwater and recycled water. In a western pocket of about 430 acres that includes Edgemont, Box Springs Mutual Water Company delivers the water instead (951-653-6419), and sewer there belongs to the Edgemont Community Services District. Everywhere else, EMWD also collects and treats wastewater and runs the Moreno Valley Regional Water Reclamation Facility.

For EMWD accounts call 800-426-3693; other calls go to 951-928-3777. Water or sewer emergencies on EMWD's system go to 1-800-698-0400, or 951-928-3777 extension 6265. Your bill shows which provider you have.

Mostly newer homes

Census survey data put the median home in Moreno Valley at about 1988, younger than much of the region. That means fewer galvanized supply lines and more copper or plastic piping, with most homes built on slabs. Typical calls are water heater replacements, slab leaks, toilet and faucet repairs and main-line clogs. EMWD reports that its service line inventory found no lead lines and no galvanized lines that need replacement.

EMWD's water quality report is posted at emwd.org/ccr. That report lists the hardness of Moreno Valley's water, so it is worth checking it before deciding on a softener.

Backflow and permits

EMWD runs a cross connection control program that surveys customer sites and inspects and tests new backflow devices, with test reports sent to [email protected]. EMWD notes that single-family homes generally do not need a backflow device. Box Springs Mutual sets its own rules for its customers, so ask that company directly.

Permits, including water heater change-outs, are handled by the Building & Safety Division of the Community & Economic Development Department. Apply online through SimpliCITY or at the City Hall kiosks, 14177 Frederick Street.

Gas safety and how this differs from Riverside

SoCalGas is the gas utility. If you smell gas, get everyone out of the house first, then call 911 and SoCalGas at 1-800-427-2200 from a safe distance.

Riverside homes mostly drink Riverside Public Utilities groundwater; Moreno Valley taps run mainly on imported water through EMWD. When you call the number on this page, describe the problem and mention whether you are in the Edgemont area, and you will be put through to an independent plumber serving Moreno Valley. You and the plumber settle the price and schedule.