Sewer backups occur when a sewer line becomes full and “backs up” in the opposite direction of normal flow. Although rare, sanitary sewer backups can occur as a result of:

• Heavy rainfall and flooding
  
• Grease or other “clogging” agents in the sewer line
  
• Unforseen events that break or block a sewer line such as construction, geological changes or vandalism.

Some property may be more susceptible to sewer backup than others. Find out ways to protect your home or business. Click below.

Protect Your Home and Business from Sewer Backup Contamination

Other things you can do to keep sewer backups from occurring:

Don’t pour grease, fats or oils down the drain. Instead, recycle used cooking grease with MAWSS’ free grease recycling program, “It’s Easy to be Ungreasy”. Click here for details.

www.itseasytobeungreasy.com

Dry wipe all pots and dishes to remove greasy leftovers. Put food scraps and fat trimmings in the garbage, not the garbage disposal.

Use a wastebasket, not the toilet to dispose of diapers, cigarette butts, personal hygiene products, coffee grounds, or other types of trash.

Prevent storm water and other debris from entering the sanitary sewer line by making sure clean out caps on your private sewer lateral are in place and not broken.

Contact law enforcement if you observe anyone putting materials in a manhole

To report a problem, or for more information, contact MAWSS’ Customer Care Team at 694-3100.