Waste Water resources
Blockage
Many times, tree roots, grease build up, or other materials can cause blockage of private lateral lines. It is important to make sure your lines are clear so these blockages do not cause a backup of sewage into your home.
If you are experiencing a sewer backup into your home - immediately contact a plumber of your choice.
You can also take preventative measures to keep your sewer line clear:
COOKING GREASE - Never pour cooking grease down the kitchen sink where it will solidify and build up over time. Contact TCSD at (415) 388-6393 for one of our free Grease Collection Kits, or bring your cooking oil/grease to the district office for disposal.
SWIFFER/CLEANING WIPES - These household and personal wipes should never be flushed down the toilet. They do not break down in the sewer transport system and are one of the biggest causes of sewer lateral blockages, which can lead to in-home backups.
CLOTHING - Make sure to check your washer to confirm that you have all the proper screens in place so clothing is not being sucked out with the water flows. Never flush clothing down the toilet.
If you see liquid or material coming up from a manhole, contact TCSD at (415) 388-6393.
Don't Flush That!
"Disposable" wipes such as Swiffer, sanitary, baby, and hand have become increasingly popular - however they should never be flushed down your toilet. These can clog your sewer line and cause a backup into your home that would require more than a wipe to clean up and would include a costly visit from the plumber.
ONLY Flush Toilet Paper!
Everything else, especially these items, belong in the trash:
- Baby Wipes
- Tampons, applicators and pads
- Bandages
- Q tips and make-up pads
- 'Flushable' wipes
- Kitty litter
- Hair
- Cleaning wipes
- Dental floss
- Prescription and OTC medications
- Condoms and their wrappers
- Teeth whitening strips and their wrappers
Grease Collection
One of the most difficult challenges in sanitary sewer collection is grease that is poured down household drains from cooking and other uses. The warm or hot grease flows until it meets cold water in the pipes and then settles to the bottom of the pipe. If this process occurs repeatedly, the inside of the pipe can become clogged as it fills more and more with grease.
TCSD's sewer crews routinely pressure wash pipes to push grease deposits further down the sewer lines. On occasion, a sewer line will backup into a home due to this build up and an overflow can occur. To help alleviate this problem, the TCSD Board agreed to provide grease collection bags to residents at no charge. Simply pour the hot cooking grease/oil into the bag and, once the bag is full, dispose of it in your regular garbage cart. If you would like one of these grease bags, contact our office at (415) 388-6393 or come by 305 Bell Lane.
In addition, TCSD offers household grease disposal at the district office. The grease or oil must be liquid (please melt it to liquid form before you bring it in). You will need to fill out a simple form to fulfill State of California requirements.