Keep Your Drains Clear and Avoid Sewage Problems

Hey there, Newark resident! Did you know our city takes care of over 100 miles of sanitary sewer pipes? These pipes run beneath our streets and homes. Sometimes, these pipes can get clogged, which might cause sewage to back up into our homes and businesses. It's not a pleasant situation, and unfortunately, the city can't usually cover the costs of cleaning up or repairing any damage.

But don't worry, there are simple steps we can all take to help prevent this from happening:

• Try to avoid putting things like fats, oils, grease, rags, disposable diapers, sanitary napkins, or paper products (other than toilet paper, of course) down the drain. These items can cause blockages in the pipes, leading to those nasty sewage backups.
• Check your home insurance policy. Many policies don't cover damage caused by water or sewage backing up into your home. But you might be able to add extra coverage for this, sometimes called a 'rider', to your policy.
• Consider installing a device that stops water from backing up into your home or business. This might be a good idea for some of us. A local plumber can help you figure out if it's right for you.

What To Do If You Have a Sewage Backup

If you ever find yourself facing a sewage backup, don't panic! Just give our Water Resources Department a ring at 302-366-7000. They're available 24/7 and will send a team to check out the situation as soon as they can. If the blockage is in the city's main sewer line, they'll get it cleared.

But remember, if the blockage is in the pipe running from your home to the main sewer line (that's called your 'lateral'), it's up to you to arrange for it to be cleared.

Sewage Rates

Want to know the current rates for sewage services? You can find them in our City Code.

Need More Info?

If you have any questions or need more information, just call our Department of Public Works and Water Resources at 302-366-7000 during regular business hours. We're here to help!