General Sewer Information for Residents

This list of general information and definitions has been compiled to educate residents about their sewer system: how it functions, how to quickly identify a problem, tips for protecting their property and what to do in the event of a back up.  Each homeowner can have different combinations of issues that affect whether or not basements back up.  We hope that this information will help you to better understand your sewer system.  If you experience any problems or have any questions, please call the Bay Village Service Department at 871-1221.  Non-emergency after hours calls (440)899-3481.

Emergency:

Do not enter standing water in your basement!   If you get water in your basement call Bay Service at 871-1221 (M-F 7A.M. to 3:30 P.M.) or the Police department non-emergency line at 871-1234 (evenings and weekends).



 Sewer Camera Truck Our crew in action with the camera truck.



Definitions:

       Sanitary sewer lateral-this line conveys water from all the fixtures inside your home (i.e. - toilets, showers, sinks, etc.)  This is your part of the wastewater collection system that runs to the Rocky River Wastewater Treatment Plant. 

 

     Storm sewer lateral-this line conveys water from the exterior of the home (downspouts, yard drains, etc.) to the City storm sewers and, eventually, to Lake Erie. 

     *An easy way to remember the difference between sanitary and storm lines is "Drain and Rain".  Drain for sanitary.  Rain for storm.

 

     Test T (Riser or Cleanout)-this is the access pipe attached to every sanitary and storm lateral.  They rise vertically from the lateral and allow the inspection and cleaning of your lateral lines.  Other Test T's can be located in the basement of a home.  Often they are a brass, plastic or cast iron cap located on the wastewater stack.

 

     Trap-this is a J-bend present in all interior plumbing (i.e.-sinks, toilets, showers, etc.).  It is designed to keep sewer gases from entering your home.

 

     Sump Pump-this device is usually located in a crock in the basement floor.  The sump collects water from the footer drains below the foundation and pumps the water to the storm lateral.

 

     Footer-these are pipes laid at the bottom of the foundation (where the walls and floor meet).  They are designed to collect any water that flows toward the foundation before it can enter your basement.

 

     Check Valve-this device is installed on the sanitary lateral (either in the basement floor or at the test t) to mechanically prevent backup from the sanitary main in the street.

What to look for:

 

If you notice a strong sewer smell in your home, this could indicate a dry trap on a sink or basement floor drain.  Running water into each drain will fill the trap and eliminate the odor.  If you notice any unusual gurgling noise or a drain is running slowly, you may be experiencing the beginning of a blockage.  Call Bay Service to check the main line.  If clear water is entering through the walls or cracks in the floor, this is an indication of a waterproofing issue, a blocked footer or a blockage in the storm lateral.  If you have trees in your front yard, be aware that the root system extends out as far as the widest part of the canopy.  Roots tend to seek out "the path of least resistance" to supply the tree with water.  This occurs often with the sanitary and storm laterals.  Slow sanitary laterals can also experience back up from detergents used for laundry.  The detergents build up in the line, reducing the size of the pipe. 

 

Items to protect your property:

 

  • Have a plumber's name and number.  The City of Bay Village has a list of licensed and bonded plumbers available at the Building Department at City Hall.
  • Make sure power strips are up off the floor and secured.  Power strips can continue to function--even under water.
  • Storage items should be placed on shelves in plastic containers.  Cardboard boxes absorb water and odors.
  • Make sure your gutters are cleaned once a year.
  • Grade planting beds away from the house foundation.  Water should flow at least 3 feet away from the foundation.
  • Periodically check and clear debris from any yard or driveway drains on your property.  This will ensure that they flow properly.
  • If you have a catch basin in the street near your home, take a moment to clear debris from the top.  If the basin needs attention, call Bay Service.
  • If you have a garbage disposal, make sure to run water for 3 to 5 minutes after disposing of food.  This will ensure that waste does not build up in your sanitary lateral.  Use ice cubes to sharpen the blades on your disposal.
  • Never dispose of fats, oils and grease (FOG's) down the drain.  They tend to coagulate within laterals and the city sanitary main lines and are the primary cause of back ups.  

 

Emergency:

Do not enter standing water in your basement!   If you get water in your basement call Bay Service at 871-1221 (M-F 7A.M. to 3:30 P.M.) or the Police department non-emergency line at 871-1234 (evenings and weekends).

For purposes of cleanup after a backup, it is recommended that a homeowner use 1 cup of bleach in a bucket of water to disinfect their basement. 

Consider the entire sewer system (laterals and mainlines) as a circulatory system.  Smaller pipes flow to bigger pipes that eventually flow to the heart (i.e. - the Rocky River Treatment Plant).  Our sewer system can experience stress just like the human circulatory system.  The different parts all affect how the other parts function.  By implementing some of these ideas to protect your own property, you also ensure the health of the entire system and help to protect your neighbors from basement flooding.