HOW A SEWER SYSTEM WORKS
A typical sanitary sewer system is constructed of a network of pipes connecting to each building or house and transports sewage to a wastewater treatment plant.
A property owners sewer pipes are called service laterals and connect to a larger local main and regional sewer lines. These service laterals are the responsiblity of the property owner. The city is responsible for the local main and regional sewer lines.
R.B City Sewer Cleaners is on
Call 24 hours a day if you should experience a problem with your sewer line.
What is a Sewage Spill?
Sewage spills occur when the wastewater being transported via underground pipes overflows through a manhole, cleanout, and/or broken pipes. Sewage spills can potentially cause health hazards, cause damage to homes and businesses, and threaten the environment and local waterways.
As a home or business owner, you are responsible for any spillage that occurs on your property. Allowing sewage to discharge to a gutter or storm drain may subject you to penalties and/or out of pocket cost to reimburse public agencies for clean-up and enforcement efforts.
DON'T ALLOW THIS TO HAPPEN TO YOU!
What To Look For:
Sewage spills can be a very noticeable gushing of water from a manhole, or a slow water leak that may take time to be noticed. Don't dismiss wet areas that cannot be accounted for. Look for:
- Drain Backups inside the home or building.
- Wet ground and water leaking around manhole lids on your street.
- Seeping water from cleanouts, outside drains, located on your property.
- Unusual odorous wet areas: sidewalks, external walls, ground/landscape around your home or business.
If a problem occurs, control and minimize the spill by shutting off and not using the water.
Common Causes of Lateral Main Sewer Spills
Tree Root Growth in Lateral Main Line
Roots from trees and large bushes are attracted to the water vapor that escapes from cracks or loose joints in the sanitary sewer pipe into the soil. The roots follow the vapor trail to the source of the moisture. Upon reaching the crack or pipe joint, tree roots will penetrate the opening to reach the nutrients and moisture inside the pipe.
As roots continue to grow, they expand and exert considerable pressure at the crack or joint where they entered the pipe. The force exerted by the root growth is capable of breaking the pipe and may result in the total collapse of the pipe. Pipes with severe root intrusion or that are structurally damaged require replacement. Tree root intrusion may also be a culprut in a re-occuring line blockage, where items that may normally flow through the sewer lines become obstructed by the roots.
Some pipe material is more resistant to root intrusion than others. Clay tile pipe that was commonly installed until the mid-1980's can be easily penetrated and damaged by tree roots. PVC pipe is more resistant to root intrusion because of better sealing joints and greater resistance to breakage.
R.B. City Sewer has 46 years experience in installation and repair of Lateral Sewer Lines. A video inspection of the lines will show us exactly where the problem roots are located. Depending on the damage and the amount of roots causing the problem, we are prepared to take on the problem and finish the job in a timely proficient manner.
Grease Buildup
Grease will build up and eventually cause a blockage in the Lateral Sewer lines. Grease gets into the sewer from household drains, as well as, from poorly maintained commercial grease traps and interceptor. Grease is a very common cause of sewer backup.
Other Obstructions:
There are many other obstructions that can cause your Lateral Sewer lines to back up. Stone, sand, dirt and other debris can build up in the line and cause a spillage.
R. B. City Sewer's Jetter Service will fix these problems. By using a high pressure water hose that propells into the sewer lines flushing out the debris with the force of water into the main sewer line. Or the line can be augered to cut through the heavy build up.
See R.B.'s Sewer Tips for Preventive Measures.
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