Sanitary sewer backups can be caused by any number of factors. The most common of these include grease accumulation, solid materials, storm water through uncovered or broken lines and tree roots.
The disposal of any item, other than human waste and toilet paper, into the sanitary sewer system can cause blockages. These blockages can lead to unfortunate backups into homes or overflows into streets. Reduce your risk, and the risk of your neighbors, by being mindful of what you flush.
FLUSHABLE PRODUCTS. Just because it is advertised as “flushable” doesn’t mean it actually is. Avoid flushing “flushable” wipes, paper towels, dental floss, diapers, wrappers and feminine hygiene products.
FAT, OIL & GREASE (FOG). Fats, oils and grease is a major problem for city sewer systems. When FOG is discharged into a sewer system, it cools and accumulates on the sidewalls of the pipes. This accumulation will eventually lead to blockages. Never flush FOG items down your sink. The best way to dispose of fats, oils and grease is to let the grease cool in a jar or old coffee can, then dispose of in the trash.
STORMWATER. Rainfall from heavy storms can enter the sewer system through uncovered or damaged cleanouts or cracked or broken sewer lines. Heavy rainfall can overwhelm the capacity of the system and cause widespread backups.
TREE ROOTS. Trees often grow into private and public sewer lines obstructing flow. The roots trap paper products and solids, leading to sewer blockages.
