If you are a resident of Petaluma, CA, you may qualify for a grant from the sanitation department to offset the cost of replacing your sewer lateral. This page will help to explain what the program is, how it works, and how Benjamin Franklin Plumbing can help.

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What is the Petaluma Sewer Grant Program?

The Sewer Lateral Replacement Grant Program (SLRGP) provides financial assistance to property owners in Petaluma for the replacement of their private sewer lateral. Dysfunction in private systems often affects the infiltration and inflow of the sewer collection system. Replacing your sewer lateral helps cut down on these problems, and can also help to reduce your utility bill.

How Does the Petaluma Sewer Grant Program Work?

In the event of a damaged pipe or leak, home and business owners are responsible for all costs related to their sewer lateral including installation, connection, maintenance, repair, reconstruction, alteration, abandonment, or removal. With the help of a loan or grant, home and business owners can focus on preventative maintenance instead of expensive fixes after the fact.

The total cost fluctuates depending on a variety of factors, including the length of the pipe and whether or not concrete must be broken. In many cases, repairs can get very expensive, very fast. Many estimates can quickly run into the thousands.

Each year, the city of Petaluma allocates funds to the SLRGP. The authorization for the 2018/2019 fiscal year is $40,000. This amount helps to assist home and business owners in the repair and/or replacement of the required sewage lateral work. Sewage leakage can cause problems in your home or business, but they can also cause unsanitary spills or exceed sewer main capacities.

The maximum amount of assistance for a sewer lateral replacement or repair is 50% of the approved cost, up to a maximum reimbursement of $2,000. Only complete replacement of the sewer lateral or a repair that completely eliminates infiltration and inflow is eligible for the program.

How Can Benjamin Franklin Plumbing Help?

In order to qualify for a grant you must fill out an application and agree to work with an approved contractor. Benjamin Franklin Plumbing is certified to make these changes, and would be more than willing to discuss our services and the ways we can be of assistance for you, your home, or business. Contact us today to learn more!

FAQs

How do I know if I have lateral sewer problems?

Chronic problems, like backups and overflows, often involve more than just a singular, simple fix. Plumbing issues like these require ongoing, professional plumbing maintenance. Odors, slow moving pipes, and ground movement around lateral pipes can also be indicative of lateral sewer problems. Some signs of damage or leakage aren’t as evident, so if you suspect something is off it’s best to get it checked before it becomes a larger issue.

Why was this program created?

The private pipes in homes and business connect to public sewer mains. This means that individual plumbing problems can have MUCH larger problematic effects. In fact, private property damaged and leaky sewage pipes are responsible for an estimated 50% of sewage spills! This program seeks to help individual home and business owners while also fixing larger public sewage problems.

What do I need to do to qualify?

Complete sections 1 and 2 and submit the completed application to Public Works & Utilities Department (202 North McDowell Blvd.) for review, determination of eligibility and approval. You will then receive your letter of approval, requirements and obligation. Obligating funds will only be issued by the Utilities Division to the property owner. After receiving an obligation letter, schedule a closed circuit televised video (CCTV) inspection with a licensed contractor which will be review by Utilities Division personnel prior to any work being performed. You then must submit a 3 quotes obtained from properly licensed contractors who perform one or more of the accepted sewer lateral replacement methods. Finally, acquire the necessary encroachment permit from Public Works & Utilities, and notify the Utilities Division of the scheduled work. A Division representative will inspect work on the lateral replacement as it occurs.

How much does it cost?

The maximum amount of assistance for a sewer lateral replacement or repair is 50% of the approved cost, up to a maximum reimbursement of $2,000. Only complete replacement of the sewer lateral or a repair that completely eliminates infiltration and inflow is eligible for the program. All SLRGP applications are subject to approval by the Utilities Division.
Payment shall be made to the owner(s) following inspection and approval of completed work. All sewer laterals belong to the property owner from the home or building to, and including, the connection at the City main. Property owners are responsible for all costs relating to their sewer lateral, including; installation, connection, maintenance, repair, reconstruction, alteration, abandonment or removal to prevent inflow and infiltration.

Where can I go to learn more about this program?

Click to learn more about the SLRGP and view the application/checklist with the information required to qualify.

Do you need to replace your sewer lateral, fix a plumbing or leakage problem, or asses possible damages? Benjamin Franklin plumbing can help with these problems as well as many others. Contact us today at 707.545.2579 to learn how we can help you.

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