What can I expect when sanitary sewer cleaning is taking place in my neighborhood?
The city's sanitary sewers are located in the street right-of-away or dedicated utility easements. These easements may run along the front, side or back of residential and commercial properties depending on the layout and construction of the sanitary sewer lines serving the area. Public Works Department crews will use these easements to access the sanitary sewer lines and associated manholes. Hydraulic jet cleaning of each section of sewer line (300 to 400 feet) may take a few minutes up to an hour. Depending on the distance between the sanitary sewer and the house or building, a rumbling or water running noise may be heard. The action of the jet nozzle moving past the house or building lateral connection may cause a slight negative pressure (vacuum). This vacuum may momentarily pull down the water level in toilets and plumbing fixture traps. The house or building plumbing vent should prevent water from completely being pulled from toilets and plumbing fixture traps.

Show All Answers

1. What is sanitary sewer system cleaning?
2. Why is sanitary sewer cleaning necessary?
3. How are the sanitary sewers cleaned?
4. What can I expect when sanitary sewer cleaning is taking place in my neighborhood?
5. Why is the house or building plumbing vent important during sanitary sewer cleaning operations?
6. What causes odors in my house or building immediately after cleaning of the sanitary sewer?
7. What causes the water in my house or building toilet to bubble, burp or overflow?
8. Does the city's program of cleaning the sanitary sewer system include my house or building lateral connection?
9. How can I get more information on the city's sanitary sewer cleaning program?
10. I have a question about open lines, drains, or dumping in drains