Vandalism - This usually involves an unauthorized person removing a manhole cover and dropping objects into the manhole and obstructing the flow. This has occasionally resulted in a backup into a building, but generally results in a manhole overflowing.
No Locates Called In - Developers, Contractors, Builder, and Property Owner’s who do not call for Locates occasionally knock off a buried manhole ring and lid or break the sewer line unintentionally and sometimes unknowingly. This leads to manholes full of rocks, dirt and debris or collapsed sewer line.
Bad Service Connections - The stoppage is caused because the main is broken and/or full of roots at the service line connection from a building. Service connections are the responsibility of the property owners. When a connection is determined to be in need of repair, the property owner is notified that repairs are needed. Depending on the problem found, the CSM may or may not be responsible for repairing service connections at the City main line.
Obstructions in a Manhole or Main (Other than at a service connection) - Obstructions in a manhole or main may be due to structural failure, roots, or a buildup of grease, rags, or grit. These problems can be identified and corrected by the CSM personnel. The type and priority of preventive maintenance following an obstruction is dependent on various factors. Obstructions which caused a sewer backup into a business or residence are classified as top priority for investigation and follow-up measures. This priority is given to assure that a subsequent obstruction does not occur due to the same source. Corrective measures may include Closed Circuit Televising (CCTV) of the line, routine cleaning on an established frequency or dig-up and repair by a City Construction Crew if warranted. Obstructions which caused wastewater to overflow from a manhole and do not cause personal property damage, are placed on a priority investigative schedule. It may then be put on a repair schedule, or on a routine cleaning schedule.
Surcharged Mains - This is not an obstruction, but the result of heavy or prolonged rainfall causing the sanitary sewer main to fill due to infiltration and inflow (I&I) of stormwater and ground water. Much work has been done in the past several years to eliminate I&I from sanitary sewers but there are still areas where this problem may occur. Property owners can help reduce I&I several ways. Examples would be; to not connect roof down spouts to the sanitary sewer; don’t turn your outside clean-out into and area driveway or yard drain; fix that unwanted leaky basement you’ve been putting off.
