How are the sanitary sewers cleaned?
Public Works Department crews use a method called “hydraulic jetting” to clean sanitary sewers. The activity consists of running a hose with a jet nozzle attached through the sanitary sewer. Entry to the sanitary sewer is made via a manhole structure. These manhole structures are evident in yards and streets by the cast iron lids visible at the ground surface. Once the jet nozzle and hose are feed into the sewer pressurized water is applied. Water exiting the jet nozzle at high velocity forces the jet nozzle/hose assembly down the sewer pipe, cleaning the sewer as it goes. Once the jet nozzle/hose assembly reaches the next manhole structure (300 to 400 feet distance) the hose is reeled back mechanically cleaning the sewer pipe a second time.

Show All Answers

1. What is sanitary sewer system cleaning?
2. Why is sanitary sewer cleaning necessary?
3. How are the sanitary sewers cleaned?
4. What can I expect when sanitary sewer cleaning is taking place in my neighborhood?
5. Why is the house or building plumbing vent important during sanitary sewer cleaning operations?
6. What causes odors in my house or building immediately after cleaning of the sanitary sewer?
7. What causes the water in my house or building toilet to bubble, burp or overflow?
8. Does the city's program of cleaning the sanitary sewer system include my house or building lateral connection?
9. How can I get more information on the city's sanitary sewer cleaning program?
10. I have a question about open lines, drains, or dumping in drains