Pressure cleaning sanitary sewers is part of our mandated routine maintenance operations.  In order to thoroughly clean and sometimes prepare pipes for video inspection, high pressure cleaning/vacuum equipment will be used to clean the pipes and remove deposits from the sewer.  Typically, about once every five years, areas or neighborhoods are reasonably notified with door hanger notices and one of our jet-vacuum trucks performs this operation, pictured here: 
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This method of cleaning is safe, effective and will extend the system life.  Furthermore, it will provide more efficient and reliable service.
Due to the large scale of this operation and unforeseen scheduling issues, it is not possible to provide an estimated time of day when the cleaning will exactly occur, or to provide more advanced notice than what will be posted on site signage.  An example of a typical sign: 
Area Sewer Cleaning Sign Example

Typically no problems occur during the cleaning process.  However, please be mindful of the work area and keep children away.   While we prioritize safety of the operation for all impacted motorists and pedestrians, manholes may be open and some temporary traffic disruptions could occur.
On infrequent occasions, gurgling noises in toilets may be heard, or a small amount of water may flow from floor drains.  In rare cases water may spray out of toilets or drains.  This situation occurs due to operating pressures not being relieved by venting in your interior plumbing.  (Many newer homes have small and/or isolated vent lines.)  The pressure produced will not damage interior drain plumbing.  

Since there is the possibility of a blow-back in the house line while cleaning operations are taking place, the following precautions are recommended until the cleaning process has passed your property: 
  • Seal toilet bowls with plastic wrap, e.g. Saran Wrap, to prevent water from spraying out.
  • Place rags over floor drains in the basement & add weight to secure them.  
Once again, we don't anticipate any problems during the cleaning, but as an added precaution, the above measures should be utilized.  

Thank you for your patience and cooperation.  If you have any questions, please contact our radio room at 330-451-2320.