Most citizens who file claims for reimbursement of plumbing charges are unaware that they must notify the City before incurring those charges or they will not be reimbursed the plumbing bill even if the issue is with the city’s sewer line. When should they contact the City/Town to report a sewer issue?

If they see, hear, or smell anything that may be a sewage overflow or backup.
Hear gurgling noises from the toilets or drains
Notice a strong sewer smell but see no evidence of a sewage backup or overflow
Experience slow drains throughout the house

These are all signs that the city’s sewer main line may be about to back up or overflow. Citizens should be advised to call the City’s emergency number or the non-emergency police department number so that the person on call can be contacted. If the work crew determines there is no issue in the city’s sewer line, the homeowner will then need to contact a plumber to determine if there is an issue in the house line.

Problem items that contribute to sewer backups and blockages include:

Disposable or “flushable” wipes
Condoms, feminine products (tampons), and other personal hygiene products
FOG – fats, oils and grease. These materials harden and create blockages both in the house line and the main sewer line. Running hot water and soap down the drain DOES NOT prevent grease build-up and blockages.

· Food scraps. Anything with a fat content can contribute to grease-clogged pipes. Wipe all greasy, oily, creamy, or buttery food residue from dishes before you wash them.

The City’s sanitary sewer department cleans miles of sanitary sewer lines each year but they still need the citizens to help in preventing sewer overflows.