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1. Who is responsible for sewer repairs?

The Napa Berryessa Resort Improvement District (NBRID) maintains all public sewer mains, and lower laterals within its service area (PDF) which includes Unit 1 and Unit 2 of the Berryessa Highlands subdivision, as well as the 10 parcel subdivision Oakridge Berryessa Estates. This includes  ~29,000 ft. of sewer mainline that is located both within public streets and easements dedicated for NBRID’s use.

Each residential building has a separate connection to the public sewer main line which is called a sewer lateral. Each sewer lateral has two components:

• Lower lateral – from the curb to the street (District’s responsibility)
• Upper lateral – from the curb to the house and beyond (property owner’s responsibility)

It is the property owner’s responsibility to maintain and repair the upper sewer lateral from the house to the property line cleanout. NBRID maintains the lower sewer lateral and main line. The cleanout is typically located behind the property line and is the connection point between the upper and lower lateral. This cleanout is designed to go one direction (downstream) and cannot be used by homeowners or plumbers to clean the upper lateral. The cap on most cleanouts are designed to fit loosely, allowing it to come off in the event of a backup in the lower lateral or sewer main.

2. How can I find out where a sewer problem is?

When a sewer backup or other problem occurs, call the NBRID main office at 707-259-8600 (M-F 8 am – 5pm), or the operations team at 916-584-1893, at any time, and a member of the NBRID operations staff will come out and inspect the public sewer main and lower lateral, free of charge. In many cases it will not be obvious whether the property owner or NBRID is responsible for the problem. If the problem is in the District’s lower lateral, we’ll repair the problem as soon as possible. If the District’s sewer line is clear, the property owner will be informed that the blockage is likely in the upper sewer lateral. In this case, the property owner is responsible for maintenance or repair and may still need to call a plumber.

3. Sewage is backing up into my house/building through overflowing toilets, sinks, bathtubs, dishwasher, and/or washing machines. What should I do?

If this problem occurs, stop using water immediately. If you are not using your household water outlets, there may be a problem in the public sewer main. Call the District main office at 707-259-8600 (M-F 8 am – 5pm), or the operations team at 916-584-1893 at any time to request service. If the problem is found on the customer’s side of the service, a plumber will need to be dispatched by the customer.

4. Sewage is overflowing from a cleanout or manhole onto the ground, driveway, street, etc. What should I do?

Overflow devices (clean-outs) are usually located at the property line and near the building. There is a 4-inch cap on top of the vertical pipe that should be left on loosely. The purpose of the clean-out is to allow sewage from a plugged sewer line to overflow outside instead of inside the building, as well as provide access for cleaning. If sewage is flowing from a clean-out, call the District main office at 707-259-8600 (M-F 8 am – 5pm), or the operations team at 916-584-1893 at any time to request service.

Manhole structures are usually located in the middle of the street and also provide access for cleaning and pipe inspection.  If sewage is coming up through a manhole, call the District office at 707-259-8600 (M-F 8 am – 5pm), or the operations team at 916-584-1893 at any time for service.

5. I have slow drainage through my toilets, showers, and sinks. What can I do about it?

The first thing to do is to contact the District main office at 707-259-8600 (M-F 8 am – 5pm), or the operations team at 916-584-1893 at any time to request service. An NBRID crewmember will come to your house to determine if the problem is the responsibility of NBRID or the property owner. If the problem is in our line, we’ll take care of it. If NBRID operators discover that the problem is in the property owner’s lateral sewer line or plumbing fixtures, you may need to make repairs yourself or call a plumber.

6. I paid a plumber to repair my sewer lateral line. It turns out the problem was occurring in the public sewer line. Can I be reimbursed for my plumbing bill?

Sometimes, but you will need to complete a claim form (PDF) and submit as directed to be considered.  This is why we encourage homeowners to contact NBRID first when a sewer problem occurs. NBRID operators can typically determine who is responsible for the maintenance or repair prior to repairs being made. If the problem is in NBRID’s portion of the sewer, we’ll repair it. However, if the problem is in the property owner’s portion of the sewer line, a plumber may still be necessary. Call us first!

7. How do I proceed with a sewer lateral repair problem?

If the sewer problem is found to be in the upper lateral portion (between the building and cleanout at the property line), the property owner is responsible for repair and can hire a plumbing contractor or make the repairs themselves. Contractors are listed in the yellow pages of the phone book under "Plumbing Drain and Sewer Cleaning" or "Sewer Contractors." If you plan to hire a contractor, we recommend getting estimates from more than one company.

8. Is there information available on the history or cleaning frequency of a sewer line?

Call the District at 707-258-6000 to request records. Include the area(s) you wish more information on, and District staff will get back to you with additional information.

9. There is a manhole cover in my neighborhood that rattles every time a vehicle drives over it. What can I do about it?

Occasionally, there may be a separation between the base and the cover of the manhole or rodding inlet, causing the cover to rattle when a vehicle drives over it. To report a rattling manhole or rodding inlet cover, call the District at 707-259-8600 (M-F 8 am – 5pm), or the operations team at 916-584-1893 at any time to request service.

10. What can I do about terrible sewer odors?

First, try to determine where the odor is coming from; inside the home or outside in the street. If an odor is coming from inside the home, there may be a problem with the internal plumbing system. Check your internal system first, such as ensuring that all of your p-trap drains have water in them, or call a plumbing company. If the problem exists outdoors, call the District at 707-259-8600 (M-F 8 am – 5pm), or the operations team at 916-584-1893 at any time.

11. Can I pour paint that down the drain?

Paint should not go down the drain. Neither should solvents, pesticides, automotive fluids including oil, or any of a range of potentially toxic products. These products can all be disposed of at the Hazardous Waste Collection Facility in Napa.  Other disposal options may also exist with your garbage service provider.

12. Is there any assistance for low-income households?

NBRID does not have programs available to assist low-income households.

13. How can I connect to an existing sewer?

To connect to the NBRID sewer system, your property must be within NBRID’s service area, and pay all fees and connection charges. Additional information about the connections process can be found here. Please contact the District office at 707-259-8600 (M-F 8 am – 5pm), or email questions to [email protected]

14. Can I tour the wastewater treatment plant?

If you would like a tour of the NBRID wastewater facility, please give us a call at 707-259-8600.

15. I know I shouldn’t flush old medications down the toilet; where can I take them?

For drop-off of non-controlled substances and medications only:

• Hazardous Waste Collection Facility | 889A Devlin Road, American Canyon | 1-800-984-9661 | Open Friday and Saturday 9am to 4pm

For drop-off of narcotics and other controlled substances and medications (and non-controlled substances/medications):

• American Canyon Safeway | 103 American Canyon Road, American Canyon | (707) 649-5160 (Pharmacy)
• Napa County Sheriff’s Office | 1535 Airport Blvd, Napa | (707) 253-4509
• Napa Police Department | 1539 First St, Napa | (707) 257-9223 (Non-Emergency Number)
• Napa Safeway | 3375 Jefferson Street, Napa | (707) 225-3040 (Pharmacy)
• Yountville Sheriff Station | 1950 Mulberry St, Yountville | (707) 944-9228 (Use call box at front door for access)
• Yountville Veterans Home | 123 California Drive, Yountville | (707) 944-4500
• Vasconi’s Pharmacy | 1381 Main St, St. Helena | (707) 963-1444 | Open Monday through Saturday 9am to 6pm, closed Sundays
• St. Helena Police Station | 1480 Main St, St. Helena | (707) 967-2850
• Calistoga Police Station | 1235 Washington St, Calistoga | 707-942-2810