Woodbury Public Works: Help Prevent Sewer Backups

Every year, the Woodbury Public Works Department cleans approximately 70 miles of the city's sanitary sewer system as part of its annual maintenance program. Although this maintenance is very costly and time consuming, the sewer system is cleaned in order to remove sand, grease and other restrictions that can cause sewer backups.

The Public Works Department has continued to notice an increase in the maintenance required for certain sewer lines that have been clogged due to restaurant and car wash businesses.

These businesses are a major producer of sand and grease that cause the sewer lines to clog up, according to the city. These businesses are also built with waste traps or separators that allow the sand and grease to be filtered out, ensuring it will not enter the sanitary sewer system with the other wastewater when properly maintained. Sometimes these systems are not being properly maintained and are responsible for much of the additional and costly maintenance.

Due to this recurring problem, the city has adopted City Ordinance Sec. 23-76, titled Waste Traps and Separators, that specifically deals with the issue of poorly maintained waste traps and separators. This ordinance states, "Waste traps and separators shall be maintained in efficient operating condition by the owner and at the owner's expense, through the periodic removal of any accumulated residue. Failure to maintain traps and separators will result in an administrative fine as set by Council resolution.

If evidence shows a trap or separator has not been properly maintained, the city may have the system cleaned at the owner's expense. If further evidence shows the poorly maintained trap or separator is the cause of additional maintenance to the city's sanitary sewer system, the owner/operator of the trap or separator is then responsible for all maintenance expenses associated with the cleaning of the affected sections of sanitary sewer system."

Preventing Sewer Backups

Many residential sewer problems can be avoided by having your sewer line cleaned periodically and taking care about what goes into your sewer system. Following are the most common causes of blocked sewers.

• Grease and Oils – Store grease in a container and dispose of hardened grease in the trash. Use garbage disposal sparingly, and flush with plenty of water.
• Paper Products – Put in the trash, not the toilet. These items do not dissolve.
• Lint and Hair – Screen all drains and use a lint trap on your laundry hose.
• Tree Roots – Avoid planting trees or shrubs over your sewer line. Roots are the number one problem in residential sanitary sewer systems.

Residents can contact the Public Works Department at (651) 714-3720 between the hours of 7 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. During other times, emergencies can be reported by calling the Washington County Sheriff's Office at (651) 439-9381.

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