FAQs

My basement is backed up with sewage. Whom should I call; what should I do?

Call AVMA at 610.779.0150 during office hours (M-F, 9:00 a.m - 3:00 p.m.) or our emergency pagers after office hours at 484.333.1436 or 484.333.1435.

Several questions that you might consider when trying to determine the possible cause of a sewer problem:

• Is the problem with an individual fixture such as the kitchen sink? If so, you may attempt to clear the blockage yourself or contact a registered plumber/sewer drain cleaner.
• Is the problem with a commode located above the lowest level (floor) of the building? If yes, you may attempt to clear the blockage yourself or contact a registered plumber/sewer drain cleaner.
• Is the problem with the lowest facility (toilet, shower, floor drain, or laundry tub in the house/building? If yes, contact AVMA to investigate.
• Is the service backing up constantly, even when the occupants on the premises are not using the facilities? If yes, contact AVMA to investigate.

When a service is backing up only when the occupants are using their facilities, or the problem is not in the lowest level plumbing fixtures, we suggest you contact a registered plumber or sewer drain cleaner for assistance with the problem. If you are unsure, please contact AVMA for advice and assistance.

What is a sewer lateral (service) and for what portion am I responsible?

The contractor installing the sewer main generally installs the sewer service from the main to the property line or easement limit. AVMA is responsible for maintaining the individual sewer service (lateral) from the main to the property line. Service lines (laterals) are generally 6" diameter pipes for private homes. The service line, from the property line to the house and sewer pipes within the house, are the responsibility of the homeowner.

Whom should I call about sewer odor?

An obstruction in the main (in the street) or service line can cause sewer odor where gases are trapped, but a backup is not occurring. The gases can escape through manholes or the drains in customers' homes or buildings. Unless the odor is isolated to one fixture or in an upper bathroom only, call AVMA to investigate.

Please turn your water on and let it run for 15 seconds. This will ensure that there is water in the plumbing fixture traps.

Also, add approximately 2 cups of water to your floor drain. If the floor drain is dry, the sewer gas from the main or service can get into the house and cause an odor problem.

If you're leaving the house for an extended period, ensure that the toilet bowls, fixture traps, and floor drain traps have water in them.

What causes sewer clogs/backups?

There are several causes of clogged sewers. In our area, one of the main causes is roots from trees that may enter at the joints of pipes or cracks in older pipe. (Roots seek water and they often force their way right through the cracks in the pipe.) Also, broken pipe may allow soil to enter and cause a problem. Grease is also a main cause of clogged sewers. Introduced into the sewer lines by occupants, it can harden or collect resulting in stoppages and backups.

What can I do to prevent mainline sewer backups?

Be careful what you put down the drain. Several Items that should not be put into your sewer system are paper towels, diapers, grease, paints/solvents, chemicals, antifreeze, non-food oils, and any item that will not dissolve. Please deposit grease and food scraps in the trash for disposal.

What are manholes? Where are they located?

AVMA and other utilities use manholes to access our underground infrastructure. Our crews also use manholes to clear blockages. Manholes are located in the street, right of way, or in a AVMA utility easement.

What is a clean out? Where is it located?

A clean out is an entry point into the sewer service that is used to clear the line of any obstruction. A clean out can be located either inside or outside of a house/building. AVMA maintains sewer main up to the cleanouts only. The maintenance of any cleanout located inside a building or on the owner's service lateral is the owner's responsibility.