How to Safeguard Your Home from Sewer Backups and Avoid Higher Sewer Use Fees

Illegally Connected downspouts and sump pumps--what are they?

Many older homes may have roof gutters and basement sump pumps connected directly to the sanitary sewer. This means that rain from the roof and ground water is pumped directly into the sewer.

Not all downspouts that run into the ground are connected to the sanitary sewer, some may empty into a storm drain. If you are not sure where your downspouts or sump pump drain to you can call the Sewer Department at 584-3821.We can inspect the pipes at no charge and provide advice on how to correct improper connections.

Why is this a problem?

The problem is too much water. Sanitary sewer systems are only large enough to handle the amount of water from normal household use. During a rainstorm, water gets into the sewer from connected down-spouts and basement sump pumps. When there is too much water for the system, the excess sewage has to go somewhere, and that somewhere is often somebody's basement or out a manhole in the street then to a nearby stream or river. Even if it does not overflow, it's still creates a problem for local pump stations and the City’s wastewater treatment plant may not have the ability to treat the extra water.

Why should you care?

$        Property Damage.

Sewage overflows can result in thousands of dollars worth of property damage. When there is a sewer backup into a house, the homeowner may have to pay the cost to clean up, repair damage, and replace ruined carpets, wallboard and furniture. Basic home-owner's insurance often does not cover this damage (unless the policy has an added clause or "rider").

N Health Risks.

Raw sewage contains bacteria that can cause diseases such as hepatitis and gastroenteritis. Backups cause a threat to your health and the environment.

$$     Higher costs mean higher utility rates.Pumping and treating the extra contaminated water costs tax payer thousands of dollars every year.

The City will eventually have to install miles of larger pipe throughout the City and increase the size of the treatment plant as a result of the extreme rain related flows. This work would cost Bristol millions of dollars which would have to be passed along to residents in the form of significant user fee rate increases.

?   The City will be conducting smoke testing to locate illegal connections.After testing, City may elect to levy fines to property owners found to have illegal connections.

What can you do?

1. Redirect illegally connected down-spouts and sump pumps away from the sanitary sewer. This is usually simple and relatively inexpensive.

2. Install a back flow preventer in your sewer pipe to prevent any sewage from the street from backing up into your basement.

3.You can also let other people know why downspouts and sump pumps need to be disconnected and how sewer overflows are costly to the entire community.