Sewer Maintenance

Sewer Problems? Call Public Works first—377-4405!
If you have slow drains or a backup, please contact the City at 377-4405 before calling a plumber. A representative from the City’s sewer division will come to your home to determine if a problem exists in the City’s main sewer line. This service is provided at no cost to you and will save you the expense of calling a plumber if the main sewer line is the problem. The City is responsible for maintenance of the main sewer lines. If the City determines that the main line is clear, you will be advised to contact a licensed plumber at your expense.

Preventative Maintenance
A sanitary sewer backup can be a stressful and costly problem. St. Charles homeowners are responsible for the maintenance of sanitary service lines and connections from their home to the main sewer line. Luckily, many sewer backups can be prevented through preventative maintenance by the homeowner. Here are a few things you can do to make sure your sanitary service lines remain unobstructed:

1. Roots - Shrub and tree roots seeking moisture make their way into cracks in the sewer pipe. The roots may start out small, but as the shrub or tree continues to grow, so does the root. After time this can cause your service line to become obstructed, resulting in a sewer backup. If you continue to have root problems in your service line, you may want to consider hiring a plumber to cut them out at regularly scheduled intervals. In severe cases the service line may need to be lined or replaced.

2. Paper Products - Paper towels, diapers, and feminine products cause a great deal of problems in residential sewer lines. Unlike bathroom tissues, these products do not deteriorate quickly. They can become lodged in your service line, causing a backup. Rather than taking a chance, dispose of these paper products in the garbage.

3. Grease - Avoid pouring cooking oil or other grease down the drain. Some people assume that washing grease down the drain is satisfactory. The grease may go down the drain, cool off and solidify in your internal plumbing or service line. When this happens, the line becomes restricted and eventually clogs. Pour grease into a heat-resistant container to let it cool down and throw it in the garbage.

Environmental Services Division pw@stcharlesil.gov (630) 377-4405