Sewer System Do’s and Don’ts

Your monthly water and sewer bills support the Village’s treatment plants and conveyance lines. Home owners also bear an additional expense in maintaining your own sewer lines. These lines generally run from the residence to the city right of way. There are several ways you can prevent blockages in the sewer system that affect us all.

Do’s

Avoid the release of hair into drains of showers, tubs and wash basins to prevent clogs in the traps and drains.
Clean and inspect roof top vents to prevent clogging (bird nests) which may result in stoppages and could cause sewer gas to be released into your residence.
Scrape grease and food residue from dishes and pans into a garbage bay before washing, this will reduce grease build up in the sewer lines.
Unclog drains naturally by pouring ¼ cup of baking soda down the drain followed by ½ cup of white vinegar; followed a few minutes later with boiling water.
Locate the sewer line clean-out for your property; if you don’t have one, install one. If you have a sewer lines that is older than 20 years, have it maintained at least once a year.
Install a plumber’s test plug in the lowest drain in your house to prevent back up.

Don’ts

DO NOT put diapers or sanitary napkins in the toilet.
DO NOT dispose of grease down the drain.
DO NOT plant trees near sewer lines
DO NOT connect any perimeter drains or sump pumps to the sewer system

Anything other than human waste in a sewer lines has the potential to cause a back up in a residence. Follow these steps to help prevent sewer lines back-ups.