Did You Know?  The vast majority of sewer problems start as plumbing troubles inside the house. Most sewer problems result from slow drainage in sinks, floor drains, washer drains, or toilets. In severe cases, there may be a complete blockage and with it an expensive and unpleasant cleanup that must be paid for by the homeowner.

Don't put these down the drain:

• Never pour grease down sink drains or into toilets!  Too often, grease is washed into the sewer system, usually through the kitchen sink, which will stick to the inside of sewer pipes.  Over time, the grease can build up and block the entire pipe.  Instead, pour grease into a can (an empty coffee can works great).  Keep it in the refrigerator so the grease can solidify and then dispose of it in the trash.  Wipe solidified grease from pans and utensils and put in the trash.  Remember: Fats, Oils, and Greases aren't just bad for your arteries and your waistline; they're bad for your sewers, too.
• Use your garbage disposal sparingly!  Never use your garbage disposal as a substitute for the trash can.  Scrape grease and food scraps from trays, plates, pots, pans, utensils, grills and cooking surfaces into the trash for disposal.  Be even more careful with what goes down the kitchen drain if you don't have a garbage disposal. Put strainers in sink drains to catch food scraps and other solids, and empty the strainers into the trash for disposal.
• NEVER put motor oil, paint, paint thinners, gasoline, pesticides, herbicides or any other hazardous non-biodegradable materials down the drain.
• DON'T FLUSH TRASH DOWN THE TOILET. Never flush cotton swabs, cotton balls, hair, paper towels, diapers, sanitary products or similar items down the toilet. Some parts will never decompose (regardless of what is advertised) and will contribute to sewer line blockage. Dispose of these materials in your trash. Never use the toilet as a wastebasket.
• Use only biodegradable toilet paper. Paper towels are not biodegradable.
• Limit the use of toilet bowl and drain cleaners. Limit flushing cleaning agents with bleach or strong disinfectants down the drain. Biodegradable products are best!

Tips for properly maintaining your sewer lines:

• Visually inspect your property for potential problems.  Check for leaks or water pooling in your yard. Check for missing, leaking or broken caps on clean out fixtures.
• Keep sewer clean out fixtures clean and free of debris. Every clean out MUST have a cap. Use caution when mowing to prevent damage.
• NEVER divert your rain gutter downspouts into the sewer lines or clean out fixtures. This will contribute to overloading, and will allow leaves and branches to enter into the sewer lines causing blockage and back up, also it is ILLEGAL.
• Do not plant trees or shrubs near sewer lines. Although the grass is always greener over the sewer lines, root intrusion will cost you lots of unnecessary money. The roots intrude into the sewer lines creating leaks and blockage. Even the smallest of roots are able to make their way inside your sewer lines and grow to a very large size. Trees and shrubs should be planted at least 15-20 feet away from sewer lines.
• Clay pipes - If your home was built before 1980 you may have sewer lines made of clay. These older vitrified clay pipes are more susceptible to leaks, damage and root intrusion. Upgrading these lines now will save money for you down the road when more severe problems could occur.

Key Points to Remember:

• Most sewer back ups are preventable.
• Most blockages occur in your sewer line between your home and the City's sewer line.
• The maintenance of internal plumbing and sewer service lines located on private property is the responsibility of the property owner. The City is only responsible for maintenance of sewer mains.
• If sewage is actually flowing into your home through a floor drain, toilet or bathtub immediately contact the Wastewater Department at (337) 369-2347 because there may be an obstruction in the sewer main.

Please share this information with your family and friends.  We all contribute to the sewer system so taking good care of it begins with you.