Sewer backup in Selma: whose pipe is it?
Selma's sewage does not go to a city plant. The Selma-Kingsburg-Fowler County Sanitation District treats it at a plant near Kingsburg, and each member city owns its local collection lines, which the district operates and maintains. A backup inside your house is a plumbing job, and one that affects several neighbors is a main line problem to report.
If drains in the whole house gurgle, our plumber starts with sewer line cleaning at the cleanout. If the line is clear but the problem returns, a sewer camera inspection shows whether roots, a belly or a crack is behind it.
- Stop using water, including laundry and showers.
- Keep children and pets away from standing sewage.
- Find your cleanout and clear access to it.
- Ask neighbors whether they are backing up too. If so, the main may be involved.
- Call the 24/7 line and describe which drains are affected.
Leaks and bills in Selma
Water in Selma comes from California Water Service, Selma District, drawn from groundwater wells. The company's 2025 report shows hardness averaging 53 ppm, with results from 17 to 140. That is soft water on average, so scale is less of a problem than in nearby Sanger. Soft water is also gentler on water heaters and fixtures.
That does not stop leaks. A rising bill or a meter that moves with every tap off points to a leak. See leak detection for the method. If water is already pooling, shut the main valve and call.
Water heaters, fixtures and the rest
A Selma home with a leaking heater needs water heater repair or replacement, and plumbers also handle toilet repair and faucet repair.
Local pictureAround Selma
Selma calls itself the Raisin Capital of the World and A Peach of a City on its own website, and its Arts Center at 1935 High Street and Pioneer Village at 1880 Art Gonzales Parkway anchor the community. Highways 99 and 43 pass through town. The 2020 Census counted 24,674 residents.
Selma Unified School District serves the city. Our home base is Sanger, and a call from Selma goes to the same 24/7 dispatch.
Emergency dispatch around the clock
A licensed plumber is sent to Selma homes and businesses any hour. Same-day visits are available when schedules allow.
Soft water, different wear
Selma's soft water means less scale, but older fittings and rubber parts still fail.
Separate sewer district
Backups on the street main are a district matter. Backups in your pipe are ours.
Before we arrive in Selma
Active leak or burst pipe
Close the main valve and open a low faucet to drain the lines.
Wet electrical areas
Keep clear of outlets and appliances in water. Breakers go off only if the panel is dry.
Protect belongings
Lift furniture and electronics, and photograph damage.
Call the 24/7 line
Tell the dispatcher your address and what you see.
Permits and who to call in Selma
Selma's Building Division issues building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing and other permits, according to the city. Whether your job needs one depends on the scope, so ask the Building Division. For a backup that might be the street main, call the sanitation district first.
FAQSelma plumbing questions
Yes. The dispatch line answers 24/7 and a licensed plumber is sent to Selma, same-day when available.
Selma's ZIP is 93662, which covers the city, including the Arts Center area on High Street. Call with your address if you are on the outskirts.
The district operates the system and each city owns its collection lines. Ask the city or district where your property line meets the public sewer.
Less often than in hard water, but a yearly flush still clears sediment. See water heater repair.