How to Avoid a Sewer Back-Up

The sewer collection system operates through an open gravity system, which means that the sewer pipes are installed with a slope or inclination towards the treatment plant or the lift stations.

There are no pumps to move the sewer wastewater from the houses to the treatment facilities.

What causes sewer back-ups?

Many factors can interrupt the normal sewer flow inside and outside the houses. The most common are items put into the sewer system other than water and human waste, such as:

Grease, baby wipes, rags, paper (other than toilet paper). These items cannot be broken down in the pipes and can build up enough overtime to stop the flow and create a back-up.

Grease is the most common and frequent cause found when clearing the obstructions. Grease must be disposed of in the trash, not in the sink.

Many homeowners believe that by pouring hot water down the drain for an extended time, the grease will dissolve, however this is untrue.

The hot water simply moves the grease a little further in the house lines and ultimately causes a build-up in the pipes.

Please avoid these costly repairs and potential health hazards by disposing all of these items in the trash.