Commercial Plumbing in San Clemente, CA

Which utility serves our building, and who do we call in an emergency?

The City Water Utility serves most of San Clemente and runs its own wastewater collection and treatment. Santa Margarita Water District provides water and wastewater service in Talega, and South Coast Water District does the same for a small portion of north San Clemente. Your water bill shows which one you're on. City Water & Sewer Services is at 380 Avenida Pico, and the City's emergency utilities hotline for water leaks and sewer overflows is (949) 366-1553. Utility billing is (949) 361-8315.

Gas is a separate matter. SoCalGas provides natural gas in San Clemente, while SDG&E supplies only electricity. If staff smell gas, evacuate the building first, then call 911 and SoCalGas at 1-800-427-2200 from outside.

How hard is the water on our equipment?

Hard enough to plan around. The City's water quality report lists hardness of 293 mg/L (17 grains per gallon) for water from Irvine Ranch Water District's Baker plant and 236 mg/L (14 grains per gallon) for imported Metropolitan Water District water, and the water is disinfected with chloramines. In a restaurant, salon or fitness center, that mineral load shows up as scale in water heaters, dishwashers, ice machines and mixing valves. Regular flushing, descaling and, where it makes sense, treatment equipment can extend service life. Near the coast, salt air also corrodes exterior valves, hose bibs and exposed piping on commercial buildings.

What permits apply, and where do we get them?

The City of San Clemente Community Development Building Division handles permits from 910 Calle Negocio, (949) 361-6100. Walk-in counter hours vary, with a midday window that's appointment-only, so call ahead. The City also runs a Cross-Connection Control Management Plan with the State Division of Drinking Water; specific testing rules weren't available for this page, so follow any notice your provider sends about backflow assemblies.

A short local note

When you call, a free referral service, not a plumbing company, connects you with an independent plumber who works in San Clemente. Mention your provider, the type of business and whether the work has to happen outside business hours.