Sewage is overflowing from a cleanout or manhole onto the ground, driveway, street, etc. What should I do?

Overflow devices (clean-outs) are usually located at the property line  and near the building. There is a 4-inch cap on top of the vertical pipe that should be left on loosely. The purpose of the clean-out is to allow sewage from a plugged sewer line to overflow outside instead of inside the building, as well as provide access for cleaning. If sewage is flowing from a clean-out, call the District main office at 707-259-8600 (M-F 8 am – 5pm), or the operations team at 916-584-1893 at any time to request service.

Manhole structures are usually located in the middle of the street and also provide access for cleaning and pipe inspection.  If sewage is coming up through a manhole, call the District office at 707-259-8600 (M-F 8 am – 5pm), or the operations team at 916-584-1893 at any time for service.

Show All Answers

1. Who is responsible for sewer repairs?
2. How can I find out where a sewer problem is?
3. Sewage is backing up into my house/building through overflowing toilets, sinks, bathtubs, dishwasher, and/or washing machines. What should I do?
4. Sewage is overflowing from a cleanout or manhole onto the ground, driveway, street, etc. What should I do?
5. I have slow drainage through my toilets, showers, and sinks. What can I do about it?
6. I paid a plumber to repair my sewer lateral line. It turns out the problem was occurring in the public sewer line. Can I be reimbursed for my plumbing bill?
7. How do I proceed with a sewer lateral repair problem?
8. Is there information available on the history or cleaning frequency of a sewer line?
9. There is a manhole cover in my neighborhood that rattles every time a vehicle drives over it. What can I do about it?
10. What can I do about terrible sewer odors?
11. Can I pour paint that down the drain?
12. Is there any assistance for low-income households?
13. How can I connect to an existing sewer?
14. Can I tour the wastewater treatment plant?
15. I know I shouldn’t flush old medications down the toilet; where can I take them?