What to do if a Back-Up Occurs?

Sewer Backups

The Sanitary Sewer Collection System is designed to carry wastewater away from your house to the Regional Water Pollution Control Plant  where it can be safely and effectively cleaned.  However, if something goes into the sanitary sewer lines that shouldn’t be there or there is a blockage in the line, sewage backups can occur.

Sewage backups can also be caused by too much stormwater entering the sanitary sewer system. During rain events, stormwater can get into the sewer system and increase the total volume of water in sewer pipes beyond their design. If there is too much water for the pipes to convey, backups can occur at the lowest points usually basements, drains and toilets.

Blockages can be caused by the buildup of roots or fats, oils or grease (FOG) in the sanitary sewer lines. NEVER pour FOG down the drain. As it cools, it will congeal, clogging pipes.

While the Authority cleans and maintains the sanitary sewer system in the public right of way, the maintenance of sewer pipes on a homeowner’s property is the responsibility of the homeowner. The Authority strongly recommends homeowners have a sewer back-up rider as part of their homeowner insurance policy.  Keeping your lines clear of roots, run-off and FOG will minimize sewage backups from occurring.

• Cap basement sewer floor drains if no other plumbing fixtures are on the basement level. Caps are available at most hardware stores. 
• Cap sewer clean-outs in yards.
• Disconnect downspouts from sewer pipes.
• Disconnect sump pumps from sewer pipes and redirect the water outside, away from the foundation of homes.
• Install a back flow preventer in your sewer pipe to prevent any sewage from the main line from backing up into your basement.  See Sewer Backflow Valve Reimbursement Policy for more information.
• Never flush toys, diapers, wipes or clothes as they can clog lines.
• Never pour FOG (fats, oils and grease) down the drain. As it cools, it will congeal, clogging pipes.

What is the Western Virginia Water Authority doing to minimize sewer backups from occurring?

The Water Authority makes every attempt to prevent backups in the wastewater collection system before they occur.   Sewage backups can occur either in the public portion of the sanitary sewer system or in the private sewer service lateral connection for each property. The Water Authority is only responsible for the operation and maintenance of the public portion.

Utility maintenance crews regularly inspect and clean sewage lines throughout our service area. Video cameras and equipment allow crews too see inside lines.

Degreasing and root control agents are injected into lines that are prone to blockages; however, even with regular maintenance, backups can still occur.