DOS & DON’TS FOR TROUBLE-FREE SEWERS

The City Wastewater Collection Division routinely maintains the sanitary sewer mains to keep them flowing freely. Our crews inspect and clean the sanitary sewer mains on a scheduled basis, but there are some things that you can do to keep your home’s sewer system as well as the City’s sewer system trouble-free.

Please Do:

• Ask a plumber about ways to keep your house sewer line trouble free.
   
• Call the City Wastewater Division if you have questions about your sewer line.
   
• Report any sewer problems or overflows.
  *If you observe any incidence of illegal discharge/dumping, click here for reporting options: Illegal Storm Drain Discharge Report Form
   
• Recycle motor oil, paint, and other toxic materials at the City’s Household Hazardous Waste Collection Facility, or use the Curbside Oil Recycling program available to City residents through Paso Robles Waste Disposal.
   
• Locate your buildings’ outside cleanout and backflow prevention device.
   
• Deposit all cooking grease, eggshells and coffee grounds in the trash.
   
• Use only a licensed contractor or plumber to make repairs.

Please Do Not:

• Put cooking grease or eggshells down drains or in garbage disposal.
   
• Pour chemicals, cleaners, motor oil or solvent down the sewer (the Household Hazardous Waste Disposal Facility takes these items.)
   
• Plant trees directly over a sewer line. Root growth in sewer lines is problematic.
   
• Dig without calling Underground Service Alert (1-800-642-2444).
   
• Use an unlicensed or unknown contractor to make repairs. Check it out.
   
• Proceed with an expensive sewer line repair without getting a second opinion.