Plumbers in Del Mar, CA

A small city on the coast

Del Mar is an incorporated city on the North County coast, about 18 miles from downtown San Diego in a straight line, with 3,954 residents at the 2020 Census. The City puts heavy emphasis on keeping its beaches and lagoons free of sewer contamination, which is part of why it is clear about what owners must maintain. Salt air near the water also wears on hose bibs, valves and outdoor fixtures.

City water, and it's hard

The City of Del Mar buys untreated water from the San Diego County Water Authority, has it treated by the City of San Diego at the Miramar Water Treatment Plant, and stores it in four City reservoirs. Chloramine is the disinfectant. Del Mar's report lists average total hardness of about 229 ppm, or 13.4 grains per gallon, within a range of roughly 10.1 to 14.5 grains. Water at that level builds scale in tank water heaters, tankless heat exchangers, shower valves and faucet cartridges, so descaling and softener questions are common. The City has completed its initial lead service line inventory, which is linked from its water quality report.

Sewer: start with a private plumber

Public Works maintains the public sewer system. The private lateral that connects a home to the City main belongs to the owner, who clears and repairs it with a private plumber. The City says most backups come from clogged private plumbing, so residents should call a plumber first and call Public Works, (858) 755-3294, only if the City system looks like the problem. After hours, City system problems go to North County Dispatch at 858-756-1126. The City keeps no records of private laterals, because it did not install them, so a plumber has to locate the line, typically with a camera and locator. Repairs in the public right-of-way also need an encroachment permit from the Planning Department.

Permits

City of Del Mar Building & Safety Services takes plumbing, mechanical and electrical permit applications online through eTRAKiT, with plan review done by EsGil Corporation. Building questions go to (858) 375-9514 and inspection requests to (858) 375-9528.

Gas

SDG&E serves the area with natural gas. If the house smells of gas, leave right away, then phone 911 and SDG&E at 1-800-611-7343 once you are safely outside.

Del Mar versus the City of San Diego

San Diego homeowners deal with a large city utility. Del Mar's Public Works is small, keeps no lateral records and expects the owner's plumber to find and fix private line problems. Call the number on this page, describe the backup, leak or fixture problem, and you will be connected with an independent plumber who sets the price and timing with you.