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Sewer Maintenance

Do Research Before You Landscape

Tree roots frequently damage sewer lines by breaking through the subterranean pipes and blocking the flow of sewage. Roots of trees naturally seek the nearest water source. For many, the nearest water source is the wastewater within a sewer line. They probe, breach the pipe and create a balled line blockage. 

Don’t plant anything close to your known sewer line. If you are going to plant trees or shrubs in your yard, go for varieties with short roots. Preventative maintenance is a way to help reduce blockages.

Invest in Regular Drain Cleaning

By spending a little on clearing out build-up on a schedule, you avoid costly repairs necessitated by ruptures.

Clean Outs and Inspection Chambers

Lids for inspection chambers and cleanouts are the homeowners' responsibility. Broken and missing lids should be replaced immediately as debris could enter the pipe and create a blockage. Lids can be purchased through any plumbing supply retailer.

Sewer Blockages

Residents are responsible for maintaining flow and the cleanliness of sanitary lines from home to sanitary main. In the event of a blockage you should contact a plumber. This professional will clear the blockage and assess what occurred. Blockages thought to be City responsibility due to infrastructure failure will need to be discussed with the Utilities Department.  Video of the damaged pipe, from the sanitary main to the service connection, is to be suppled to City staff for assessment. These videos will need to be supplied to the Utilities Department in hard copy, ie: USB or disk.