The Public Service Department is
responsible for all maintenance, cleaning,
rehabilitation and inspection for the sanitary sewer
lines within the City of Florence Service area. The
sanitary sewer system includes approximately 122 miles
of sewer line, 3,123 manholes and 13 pump stations. The
installation of the sanitary sewer system in the City of
Florence started in the early 1950’s and is in constant
need of maintenance and repair.
Q: What is the difference
between a separate sanitary sewer system and a
combined sewer system?
A: A separate sanitary sewer system is designed
to carry only wastewater to the treatment plant.
Stormwater is carried in a separate storm water
system, and is not transported to the treatment
plant. In a combined sewer system, both
wastewater and stormwater are carried in the
same pipe. The City of Florence has no combined
sewer systems.
Q: What is my role as a homeowner?
A: It is important to become educated on the
sewage overflow issue because every individual
can play a role in helping to solve the problem.
As a homeowner, you are responsible for the
maintenance and repair of your house lateral, a
pipe that connects your home to the public sewer
system. A cracked or deteriorated lateral or one
filled with tree roots can allow groundwater to
seep into the system contributing to the
problem. In addition you may be required to fix
any improper connections, such as downspouts,
driveway drains or sump pumps connected directly
to the sewer system. The stormwater collected
from these devices must be drained to your
property or directly connected to a separate
stormwater system.
Q: What items should not be flushed down the
toilets?
A: Anything that will not totally dissolve and
could plug the sewer mains such as disposable
diapers, sanitary napkins, bandages, rags, and
plastic bags
Q: How often does the City Of Florence inspect
its sanitary sewers?
A: Once every 4 years the sanitary sewers will
be scheduled for inspection by closed circuit
TV. Emergency inspections are done when needed.
During this time we also inspect manholes and
other components of the system.
Q: How often are the sanitary sewers cleaned?
A: Sanitary sewers are scheduled for cleaning
every 2 years. Emergency backup calls are
cleaned at the time of the occurrence. Cleaning
is done with high-pressure jet and combination
jet/vac trucks.
Q: If there is a sewer backup what should I do?
A: You should contact the City of Florence
first, so we can help determine if it is our
line or the homeowner’s line.
Q: What will the city do when a backup occurs?
A: We will clean the sanitary main where the
lateral ties into the main. This cleaning is
done from manhole to manhole to insure that the
main is clear and flowing fine.
Q: Should I call my insurance company?
A: Yes, Some insurance policies will cover
sewage backup cleanup and the cost of restoring
and repairing or replacing damaged property.
Your agent can provide you with more details.
Q: What causes a sanitary sewer backup?
A: Most sewer backups occur when the lines get
clogged with debris. However, backups can occur
for other reasons. The condition of the sanitary
sewer system could be poor, natural conditions
such as ground moving and a lot of rain. Also,
when people misuse the system problems can
occur.
Q: What kind of problems do fat, oil and grease
cause?
A: From 50 – 70 percent of sanitary sewer system
problems are caused by the accumulation of fats,
oils and greases discharges from the preparation
and serving of food.
Clean the cooling coils on your refrigerator every six months or so. Your fridge can use up to 15% of your total energy bill, so making sure it’s running at peak efficiency can save you and the earth a bundle. Go to www.epa.gov for more tips.
