What you need to know about: Sewer Overflows
When a sewer overflows, it is usually the result of inappropriate materials in the sewer system. Please Help the City Prevent Sewer Back-ups and Overflows!
Have you ever experienced a sanitary sewer back-up or overflow? Luckily, most sewer back-ups and overflows can be prevented with a progressive preventive maintenance program. All of us can help to prevent them by wisely using the City Of Raleigh's sanitary sewer system. The City is "recruiting" customer partners who are willing to join our efforts to prevent sewer back-ups and overflows.
Sewer back-ups and overflows are frequently caused by improper materials such as fats, oils and grease being placed into the sewer system by the City's customers. Since fats, oils and grease are lighter than water, they tend to accumulate at the top and sides of sewer pipes and can build up until a blockage occurs. If a blockage happens, the sewer backs up or overflows resulting in property and environmental damage.
The City of Raleigh's Sewer Use Ordinance requires that restaurants should install and maintain grease traps and/or interceptors to prevent grease from entering the sewer system. However, there are many more residential kitchens than there are restaurants in Raleigh. By reducing the amount of fats, oils and grease that enter the sewer system from homes, you can help to protect the environment by preventing sewer back-ups and overflows.
Sanitary sewer systems are designed to handle three things: used water, human body waste, and toilet paper. You can do some simple things that will help the City protect water quality and maintain the sewer system in Raleigh.
|
To Prevent Sewer Overflow - DO
|
-
Collect grease in a container and dispose of it in the garbage.
-
Place food scraps in waste containers or garbage bags for disposal with solid waste, or start a compost pile.
-
Place a wastebasket in the bathroom to dispose of solid waste. Disposable diapers, condoms and personal hygiene products do not belong in the sewer system.
-
These suggestions can save you money too! Most sewer back-ups occur between the house and the City's sewer main, where the property owner is responsible for correcting the problem. Avoiding blockages means avoiding plumbing bills. When the blockage occurs in the City's sewer main, the City will correct the problem. Please call the Public Utilities Operations Division at 919-250-2737, to report a sewer back-up or overflow. After hours call the after-hours emergency number, 919-829-1930.
|
|
|
To Prevent Sewer Overflow - DO NOT
|
-
Pour grease, fats and oils from cooking down the drain.
-
Use the toilet as a wastebasket.
-
Use the sewer as a means to dispose of food scraps.
|
|
For More Information Contact:
Marti Gibson
Environmental Coordinator
Public Utilities Department
One Exchange Plaza, Suite 620
Raleigh, NC 27602
919-857-4540
|
