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Welcome to the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ page). Below, we have tried to answer the most common questions that you may have. If you find that your question is not answered on this page, please email us or call us during business hours at (801) 571-1166.
Q. What do I do if I have a sewer backup?
A. The most common sewer problem facing a homeowner is a backup in either the sewer lateral or the sewer main line. The lateral is the portion between the home and the public sanitary sewer main. The sewer main is the portion that collects the sanitary sewer from the lateral and conveys it to the treatment plant.
If a Backup Occurs
First take action to protect people and valuable property. You may call the South Valley Sewer District at 571-1166 and as a service we’ll check the main sewer. Any blockages found in the main lines will be promptly cleared. If the main line is not blocked, we recommend that you call a plumbing or sewer contractor to check your lateral line. Maintenance and repair of the lateral serving the home is the owner’s responsibility. Regardless of the location of the blockage, clean up of the home should be done as soon as possible to minimize damage and possible negative health effects. There are qualified local businesses that specialize in this type of clean up.
Backup Prevention
Taking notice of what is flushed down toilets and sinks can prevent most backups. DO NOT flush the following materials (or similar items) down toilets/drains. These items can plug the main and cause damage to you and other property owners connected to the main.
- Large quantities of toilet paper
- Paper towels
- Feminine napkins
- Disposable diapers
- Clothing — sock, underwear
- Plastic, metal, wood etc.
- Large quantities of cereals or grains (they can swell with water)
- Live seeds, beans, and peas (they may sprout)
- Grease, fats, oils
- Sand
- Fibrous materials (cotton balls, hair, rags, cigarette butts ...)
- Sponges, scouring pads
Insurance
Many homeowners’ policies exclude sewer backups but this coverage often can be added.
You should contact your insurance agent for details.
Q. What causes a bad odor?
SEWER ODOR IN THE HOME
When a sewer smell is detected in your home, there may be a dry trap in the drainage system. Often the smell comes from a floor drain in the basement. All drains to a sewer system have a "P" shaped trap which is usually filled with water. The trap provides natural seal to keep out sewer gas. If your basement floor drain is rarely used, water evaporates from the trap over time. Eventually the seal is eliminated, allowing sewer gas (odor) into your house. The solution is easy: pour water into the drain.
If this does not solve the problem, there may be a small leak in one of the vent lines of the plumbing system, or a small leak around the base of a toilet or other fixture. You may need the help of a plumber. Check for loose fittings, corrosion, or holes in vent piping. Also, check the top side of horizontal drain pipes. If the top is rusted, it may not leak, but it will allow odors to escape. Drain lines made of copper, steel or cast iron may all exhibit this type of problem.
SEWER SMELL FROM AROUND THE TOILET
When urine and sewer smells persist near a toilet despite careful cleaning, there could be an air leak at the wax ring of the toilet or in the vent pipe. Rotted or damp wood can also cause the smell.
Check to see if the toilet is tightly sealed to the floor. Grab the bowl of the toilet and try to slide it from side to side. It should resist a few pounds of pressure. If the toilet rocks from side to side, the wax ring has failed. To replace the wax ring, you may need to hire a professional plumber. It's necessary to check the spacing between the pipe flange and the toilet base, and it is difficult to properly secure a toilet in place.
MUSTY SMELL FROM THE SINK
An overflow is cast into a bathroom sink near the rim. If the sink is overfilled, water drains through the overflow hole(s), through a small passageway, and into the trap. Smelly, sludge-like material can build up in the passageway. You can clean away this sludge. Mix a strong solution of detergent and very hot water. Pour it down the overflow. If the smell persists, try a mixture of laundry bleach and water followed by thorough rinsing with water. If you can see sludge, loosen it with a stiff brush and rinse it away.
SMELLY GARBAGE DISPOSAL
If your garbage disposal will not freshen up with the normal vinegar, cleaner, or baking soda treatment, the rubber cover may be dirty. Debris can collect under the rubber flaps.
This “gunk” stays damp and creates a strong aroma. To get rid of it, turn off the disposal and use a stiff brush or rag to clean underneath the rubber flaps.
ODOR FROM THE SWAMP COOLER
The swamp cooler mounted on the roof can sometimes vent odors into the home from the swamp cooler mounted by the pluming vents on the roof. The roof vent is a vent that releases gases from the building’s plumbing system. These vents can usually be extended to keep the smells from being sucked in and discharged into the home with the cool air.
Q. What geographical area does the South Valley Sewer District cover?
A. See the map.
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