Why Do They Flush Public Sewer Lines Yearly?

Public sewer lines are flushed yearly to inspect and maintain the sewer system. Flushing is necessary to provide uninterrupted collection of waste water and prevent blockages and backups. Most sewer lines are located in the streets and are flushed through the manholes.

Significance

• Flushing public sewer lines is performed annually to remove debris such as rocks, roots, silt, sand and grease that has accumulated in the sewer pipes. If debris is allowed to build up, this blockage will reduce the capacity of the pipes and can eventually result in sewage overflow into the streets, basements and yards.

Operation

• Public sewer lines are flushed using high-pressure water that flushes out stone, sediment and other residue. A flushing nozzle attaches to the end of the hose and is lowered down into the manhole. The water pressure dislodges the debris and it is flushed downstream, where it is vacuumed out. Roots are cut with root cutters.

Warning

• While flushing public sewer lines, the pressure from the flushing process can create a vacuum and blow water back through the toilet. Residents should keep their toilet lids down while the lines are flushed to avoid any back spray or water splashing out of the toilet.