Show All Answers

1. My sink drains are gurgling?

Check the vent for blockage

2. It smells like sewer gas in my basement, what should I do?

When sewer gasses are present inside the home, usually one or more vapor traps has dried out. The water in the trap will evaporate if the fixture is not used often; such as seldom used bathrooms or utility sinks. The solution is to periodically run a few cups of water into the drain to refill the trap.

3. What is a sanitary sewer?

A sanitary sewer is a pipe, located in the street, that is designed to transport wastewater
from your home. This consists of water from sanitary fixtures and floor drains inside your
house.

4. What is a storm sewer?

A storm sewer is a pipe, located in the street, that is designed to carry storm related water
runoff. Storm sewers are normally much larger than sanitary sewers because they are
designed to carry much larger amounts of water flow.

5. What causes a sanitary sewer to backup or sewer stoppage?

In most cases, tree roots get into sewers when a sewer pipe develops a crack or other damage and nutrients and moisture leak into the soil attracting roots.

Root penetration can be remedied by repairing the sewer pipe and ridding the pipe of roots. The maintenance of private sewers is the responsibility of private property owners.

6. What is a sewer cleanout / test tee?

A sewer cleanout or test tee is a point of access at the property line where the sewer line can be checked. It usually is five or six inches in diameter and has a plastic or steel cover over it.

7. I cannot locate my sewer cleanout? What can I do?

The Engineering or Service departments may have this information in the address file and can make a copy for you or your contractor.

8. What is the property owner’s responsibility?

The property owner is responsible for the lateral from their house to the clean out.

9. What are some problems my sewer lateral can have and how can I maintain them?

The most common problem is tree roots in the lateral. These roots should be cut. You should also maintain your sewer with a foaming root agent annually.

10. What is the city’s responsibility regarding private sewer laterals?

When failure or stoppage of a sewer lateral occurs, city crews will respond to check the city’s sewer main to verify that the sewer main is open and flowing. If the sewer main is clear, it is the responsibility of the property owner to call a licensed plumber or cleaning service to correct the problem.