Flushing sewer lines is performed to remove debris such as rocks, roots, silt, sand and grease that has accumulated in the sewer pipes. If debris is allowed to build up, this blockage will reduce the capacity of the pipes and can eventually result in sewage overflow into the streets, basements and yards.
Each year, our wastewater crews clean ¼ of the sewer lines in the City. This year the lines scheduled for cleaning are from west of I-15 and south of 200 North.
Sewer lines are flushed using high-pressure water that flushes out stones, sediment and other residue. This debris is flushed downstream, where it is vacuumed out. While flushing sewer lines, the pressure can create a vacuum and blow water back through the toilet. You may see bubbling in the toilet or hear strange noises coming from the bowl. Residents should keep their toilet lids down while the lines are flushed to avoid any back spray or water splashing out of the toilet.
If you have an odor coming out of your drains, just run some water down the drain to refill the S-bend, sometimes called a P-trap, with water.
Sewer line cleaning will continue through September, 2014 in this section of the City.
If you have any questions, please call the Public Works Department at 435-586-2912.