CLAY TOWNSHIP

SEWER CLEANING

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Sewer Cleaning is important to keep the things flowing as efficiently as possible. Debris that is left in the lines is known to cause backups and overflows, contributes to noxious odors and reduces capacity. There are two types of sewer cleaning, preventative and emergency. The District has a goal of cleaning its entire system on a five year cycle, however there are areas which require cleaning more frequently often due to fats, oils and grease discharged into the sewer.

Sewer cleaning can raise these frequently asked questions.

	What is the loud noise I hear in my home? This is caused by the high water pressure used to scour the sewer. As the cleaning hose moves through the empty PVC sewer pipe, it echoes.

	Why did water come up from the toilet? Several factors are responsible for the varying degrees of this. As the cleaning hose passes your connection to the sewer, the jetting action of the water can force air through the sewer, up to the plumbing fixture in your home. Poor or inadequate plumbing ventilation is usually the biggest factor. Since the air can not escape fast enough, it forces its way up through the toilet bowl water. The cleaning pressure and location of the blockage will also contribute. To help eliminate this, maintenance staff will vent the main line by opening the upstream manhole and use the minimum pressure possible to get the job done.

	I now have a sewer odor in my home, what do I do? Sewer cleaning or just the lack of use can cause the traps in your fixtures to become dry. The “U” shaped trap is designed to hold a small amount of water which prevents air from entering you home or business. The forced air created during cleaning or evaporation over time removes that water barrier. Simply pour a few cups of water into each fixture to re-seal those traps.