How to Prevent Problems in Your Sanitary Sewer Line

If a backup occurs, first take action to protect people and valuable property. You may call the city at 801-393-8681 during business hours or Weber County Non-Emergency Dispatch at 801-395-8221 after hours and as a service we’ll check the main sewer. Any blockages found in the main lines will be promptly cleared. If the main line is not blocked, we recommend that you call a plumbing or sewer contractor to check your lateral line. Maintenance and repair of the lateral serving the home is the owner’s responsibility. Regardless of the location of the blockage, clean up of the home should be done as soon as possible to minimize damage and possible negative health effects. There are qualified local businesses that specialize in this type of clean up. Backup Prevention Taking notice of what is flushed down toilets and sinks can prevent most backups.

Back-up Prevention

DO NOT flush the following materials (or similar items) down toilets/drains. These items can plug the main and cause damage to you and other property owners connected to the main.

  • Large quantities of toilet paper
  • Paper towels
  • Feminine napkins
  • Disposable diapers
  • Clothing – socks, underwear…
  • Plastic, metal, wood, etc.
  • Large quantities of cereals or grains (they can swell with water)
  • Live seeds, beans, and peas (they may sprout)
  • Grease, fats, oils
  • Sand
  • Fibrous materials (cotton balls, hair, rags, cigarette butts…)
  • Sponges, scouring pads

Insurance

Many homeowners’ policies exclude sewer backups but this coverage often can be added. You should contact your insurance agent for details.

 

No Wipes Down the Pipes

Out of site out of mind….is that what really happens? Not exactly, especially when you flush your toilet. Unfortunately someone has to maintain the sewer system. Every time you flush the toilet, drain the tub or run water down a drain, that waste water is conveyed through a pipe system over 10 miles long that runs from Washington Terrace to the Central Weber Treatment Plant.

The pipe system has multiple bends that also changes directions that can make it very difficult for certain objects or products to make it through the system. Hand wipes, baby wipes, cleaning wipes, flushable wipes and feminine products are the #1 cause of sewer lateral and sewer main backups. Although “Flushable wipes” maybe able to be flushed, they still cause serious problems to the sewer system. DO NOT flush “FLUSHABLE WIPES”. Backups to your sewer system or your sewer lateral could cause flooding to your home and expensive repairs. These type of products also increase routine maintenance practices and financial cost to your city and to the treatment plant. The sewer system is designed and sized to convey waste water and waste water only. This does not include ground water or storm water. Connecting a sump pump, rain gutters, outdoor drains or any plumbing that is not related to house hold waste water can over load the capacity of the system and cause backups and more water that has to treated at the treatment plant. Not to mention it’s illegal.

Remember the next time you run water down the drain or flush the toilet it’s not exactly out of site out of mind. Be aware of what goes down the drain. Help protect yourself and your city’s infrastructure by only flushing appropriate products.

Final Tips

  • Utilize biodegradable toilet paper.
  • Avoid flushing "flushable wipes." While they may pass through toilets easily, they can obstruct both your toilet and sewer lateral, potentially restricting the sewer main in the street.
  • Have a plumber inspect your lateral for any breaks or sagging sections, particularly in older homes.
  • Dispose of food waste in the garbage instead of the sink, as food does not decompose easily and can accumulate, leading to blockages in your sewer lateral.
  • Refrain from pouring chemicals, solvents, or hazardous waste down drains or toilets.