St. Paul Virginia |
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Sewage Backups How could a sewage backup affect me? An overflow in a wastewater line generally results from a stoppage in the line, which causes the wastewater to back up into nearby pipes and drains. Stoppages can occur not only in the main sewer lines outside your home, but also within your home or office plumbing systems. If the backup occurs in a Town maintained line; the wastewater will normally overflow out of the lowest possible opening, which is usually a manhole. However, in some homes, especially those with basements or where the lowest level is even with the sewer lines, the overflowing wastewater may exist through lower drains and toilets. What causes sewage backups? In home and office plumbing systems, the main cause is accumulation of grease, hair, and other solid materials. Also, many items that are too large for wastewater pipes to handle (such as disposable diapers, sanitary napkins, non-dissolving paper products and other products not designed to be put into drains) are often flushed down toilets. All of these items can cause major backups in the Town's lines. Often the cause of wastewater stoppages within the Town's system, is vandalism. Leaves, sticks, rocks, bricks, and trash have been found stuffed down manholes. What can I do to help? Call the Department of Public Works
immediately if you notice any cases of vandalism to sewer lines or manholes.
Avoid putting grease down your garbage disposal or any household drain. Not only could it accumulate in Town lines, it could also build up in your own system and may eventually require the services of a plumber. Never put disposable diapers, sanitary napkins, non-dissolving paper products and other products not designed to be put into drains in your drains or down your toilet. These items were not designed to be disposed of in this manner. This practice besides stopping up lines could damage your plumbing system. Is there anything I can do to reduce the possibility of sewage backing up into my home? If the lowest level of your home or office is above ground level, the chances are slim that you will ever have a problem with overflows from the Town's wastewater lines. However if the lowest level is below ground level, there is a higher possibility that you may one day be affected by a backup. Normally, if a stoppage occurs in your neighborhood's main wastewater line, only the lowest level drains and toilets will be affected. Common points are floor drains located in basement areas. One way to prevent sewage from backing up through these sources is to install a backflow valve on the lowest drain. For floor drains, a plumber's test plug can be used to close the drain when not in use. For further information on these items and other preventative measures, contact a plumber or your local plumbing supply dealer. What should I do if sewage backs up into my home? Keeping in mind that ceramic plumbing fixtures such as toilets are fragile, quickly close all drain openings with stoppers or plugs. Tub, sink, and floor drains may need additional weight to keep them sealed a string mop can be used to help plug toilets. If you suspect the stoppage is in your home plumbing system, don't run any water down your drains or flush the toilets until you or your plumber have cleared the cause. If the back up appears to be in your neighborhood's main wastewater line, call the Department of Public Works immediately. 276-762-5297 276-762-5022 A quick check with several nearby neighbors will help you determine if the blockage is widespread or if it is limited to your home. What does the Town of St. Paul do to prevent sewage backups? The Town of St. Paul makes every attempt to prevent backups in the public wastewater system before they occur. Sewer lines are especially designed to prevent accumulation and stoppages. In addition, a maintenance crew inspects and cleans wastewater lines throughout the Town. These lies are examined on a regular basis. Even with the Town of St. Paul's maintenance schedule, backups are often beyond the Town's control. Fortunately, they don't happen often. Very few are reported each year, and most are confined to the sewage pipeline. Only on rare occasions has the wastewater actually backed up into a home. Will my insurance cover any damage resulting from sewage backups? In the majority of cases, a special rider is needed to your homeowner's or renter's insurance policy to cover damages related to sewage backups or water damage. This optional coverage is generally inexpensive. However, you must usually request it, as it is not automatically included in most policies. Customers who may be vulnerable to backups, such as those with lower levels below the ground are especially advised to investigate this option. Like the majority of municipalities around the country, the Town of St. Paul cannot assume financial liability for damages resulting from sewage backups, since most stoppages are related to conditions that are beyond the Town's control. This is why it is important to verify that you are adequately insured. Who should I call to report a water or sewage emergency? Emergency crews from the Town of St. Paul are on call 24 hours a day to assist you. In an emergency such as water line break or a wastewater line backup, contact the Town of St. Paul Department of Public Works at: 276-762-5297 276-762-5022
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