Common Terms to know
Access Points - Cleanouts, P-traps,
Access to pipes will be from a 3 inch or 4 inch opening, typically located in 1 of (3) locations. A cleanout set inside the residence (in SF this may be in the garage or crawlspace on the lowest level). IN some cases there will be an accessible cleanout outside the foundation wall of the building. And the most common location for access in San Francisco will be through a P-trap, which is usually set near the curb / driveway apron, in a sidewalk box in the concrete.
(Please note: cleanout access points at the interior should be close to the ground to allow for future access by snaking equipment. If we do not find an accessible interior cleanout close to the surface of the floor, we will recommend installation of one for future accessibility).
P-traps
P-traps will be covered within a 5 inch cast iron housing called a “Sidewalk Box”. This access point should be near the curb / driveway apron, though they can be found several feet from the curb in many instances. P-traps will range in depths from a few feet to over 10 feet in depth. Fortunately, we have the experience to typically be able to navigate through the pipes configuration at those depths to complete inspection.
Floor Drains
Floor Drains should not be confused with sewer “P-traps” for accessibility into the sewer lateral / drain pipe system.
Floor drains can often be found in the sidewalks surrounding the building as well as inside the house. in the garage and behind houses where water might collect in low areas.
While floor drains can often clog from debris, their smaller opening does not allow for access with a larger sewer camera head.
Roof Vents
At times there may not be an accessible cleanout or P-trap. In these instances we will either remove a toilet (first floor toilet) or we will attempt to access the pipe from a roof vent (single story buildings only) for an additional fee. Roof vents need to be at least 3 inches for access. Staff will determine is access is safe and free from obstructions like solar panels.
Toilet Removal
If we cannot find an accessible cleanout, P-trap, or vent stack, we may remove the toilet for an additional fee.
Please Note: We will not remove wall mounted toilets.
We will assess the toilet to determine that the water shut-off valve can be turned off and will not leak. Leaking shut off valves, or supply lines will be documented and we will not remove them. If a water shut-off valve is hard to turn or otherwise “frozen” in place, we will not attempt to turn it off.
Staff reserves the right to refuse to pull a toilet for access. If a customer wishes to remove a toilet it must be removed prior to our arrival for our access point, we will use that opening but will not be responsible for reinstallation.
In some instances a wall mounted toilet may have a small access panel set in the wall next to it (pictured here) if this is the case please let our staff know and email us a picture. This is typically an access point.
Cleanouts
Cleanouts are typically 3 inch or 4 inch access points, and can be found either inside a house or outside. In San Francisco, these will usually be found inside. In Sonoma County, you will likely find these outside in the landscaping, possibly near the foundation or near the sidewalk.
Servicing San Francisco and Sonoma County for over 10 years.
You’ve found the perfect house, you’ve inspected it for pests, structural issues and even checked the roof, but what about the pipes?
Do you know what the rules for Sewer Laterals are in your area?
With over 20 years of plumbing experience and nearly 10 years of examining interior and exterior pipes, we pride ourselves on checking pipes for current issues, potential issues as well as locating them.
Technology has made it easier than ever to see what’s going on inside the pipes, but without the experience to know how it might affect your or what repairs might be needed, you might end up spending more in the long run.
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Contact Us
5432 Geary Blvd Unit # 518
San Francisco, CA 94121
info@acmesewer.com
(707) 907-1498
“The sewer lateral is an extension of your home, even if you can’t see it, which means you're fully responsible for it.
Property owners are responsible for keeping the pipe in good working order by regularly clearing it or inspecting it using Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) to identify any defects
That’s why we encourage property owners keep their lateral clear of trash, grease and other materials that can clog and damage pipes.”
– San Francisco Water Power & Sewer