Home Sewer Maintenance

What is the property owner's responsibility?

The property owner is responsible for the lateral from their house to the City main, including the connection.

As a homeowner, what is my role regarding sewage overflow?

It is important to become educated on the sewage overflow issue because every individual can play a role in helping to solve the problem. As a homeowner, you are responsible for the maintenance and repair of your house lateral, a pipe that connects your home to the public sewer system. A cracked or deteriorated lateral or one filled with tree roots can allow groundwater to seep into the system contributing to the problem.

In addition you may be required to fix any improper connections, such as downspouts, driveway drains or sump pumps connected directly to the sewer system. The stormwater collected from these devices must be drained to your property or directly connected to a separate stormwater system. Read more about Combined Sewer Overflow.

Is my service affected by what I put down the drain?

Yes, people who dispose of such things as grease, motor oil, eggshells, coffee grounds, and kitty litter down toilets, garbage disposals, and sewer manholes frequently clog sewer lines. Some helpful suggestions that will assist your local utility company include: Do not dispose of grease down drains such as cooking oils, fat, etc; seek out hazardous materials disposal sites for the disposition of motor oils, transmission fluids, anti-freeze, paints, turpentine and caustic household cleaners; and coffee grounds, eggshells, kitty litter and the like should be disposed of, properly wrapped or sealed, in solid waste containers.

What kinds of problems do fat, oil and grease cause?

Sewer capacity constraints are frequently caused by improper materials, including fats, oils, and greases being introduced into the sewer system by City residents and businesses.

What can I do to prevent sewer back ups?

Be careful what you put in the sewer. Several items that should not be put into your sewer system are paper towels, diapers, grease and any item that will not dissolve.

What items should not be flushed down toilets?

Anything that will not totally dissolve and could plug the sewer mains -- disposable diapers, sanitary napkins, bandages, rags, and plastics bags -- should not be flushed.