Frequently Asked Questions

Property owners are responsible for maintaining the sewer lateral line that runs from their property to the point of connection with the City's main sewer line. If there is a backup in the sewer lateral line on your property, you should contact a licensed plumber to assess the situation and perform any necessary repairs.

If the backup is determined to be in the City's main sewer line, you should contact Westminster Wastewater Collections at 303-658-2500 to report the issue. They will send a crew to investigate and address the problem if it is on the City's side of the line.

If you see or experience a sewage backup on public property, such as a street or sidewalk, you should contact the City of Westminster's Wastewater Collections division at 303-658-2500 as soon as possible. They will send a crew to investigate and address the issue.

No, it is the property owner's responsibility to maintain those pipes. The City owns the main line that's under the road. You are responsible for maintaining the pipes that go from your home until it connects with the City's main line. If you see a manhole cover in your neighborhood, there's a good chance the City owns a sewer main under the road. For more information, please reference Westminster Municipal Code, Title VIII, Chapter 8.

If you have questions about who is responsible for the sewer service beneath your driveway, you should contact the City of Westminster's Wastewater Collections division at 303-658-2500.

You’ve just spotted one of the City’s vacuum trucks! Westminster regularly maintains over 400 miles of sewer pipe. Crews are often out inspecting the lines to make sure sewer water is continuing to flow away from your home. Regular maintenance helps avoid costly blockages. The vacuum truck is a vacuum and pressure washer that goes in and clears debris, grease, and roots from the line. Our closed-circuit television (CCTV) inspection vans use cameras mounted on remote control vehicles to go through the pipe and look for structural and maintenance defects. Our crews use the data collected from the CCTV inspection to determine the best approach for maintaining or repairing every section of sewer pipe.

When crews clean the sewer system, they use high-pressure water to remove debris and buildup from the pipes. This can cause pressure to build up in the pipes, which can result in air being forced out through the vent stack and into your home's plumbing system. If your home's plumbing system is not properly vented, this air may escape through your toilet, causing it to make burping or gurgling sounds and even some splashing. This generally should stop once the cleaning process is complete. However, if you notice ongoing issues with your plumbing, it is always a good idea to contact a professional plumber to assess the situation.

A strong sewer odor coming from your basement or a specific room could indicate a problem with your plumbing or sewer system. Some possible causes of the odor include:

• A dry P-trap, which allows sewer gas to enter your home
• A damaged sewer pipe
• A blocked or damaged sewer vent pipe.

If you smell sewer gas in your home, it's important to address the issue promptly for health and safety reasons. You should contact a licensed plumber to inspect your plumbing system and identify the source of the odor. They can recommend the best course of action to resolve the problem, which may involve repairs or replacement of damaged pipes or fixtures, or installation of a new sewer vent pipe.

Just because something can technically go down a drain, doesn't mean it should. Most sewage pumps were designed to handle toilet paper and human waste. Toilet paper quickly breaks apart when wet, making it safe to flush.

However, people have flushed the following items, which ended up blocking the City's pipes, causing our pumps to stop working:

• Wipes
• Swiffer cleaning pads
• Floss
• Diapers
• Sanitary napkins
• Paper towels
• T-shirts
• Rags
• Lumber

Please only flush toilet paper down the toilet, otherwise you could create blockages in your home's drain system, as well as in the public sewer system.

• Tree roots can be a common cause of sewer backups. Roots naturally seek out sources of water and can infiltrate sewer lines through small cracks or openings. Once inside, they can grow and spread, causing blockages and damage to the pipes. Regular maintenance such as rodding and hydro jetting can help to clear out roots and prevent backups, but in severe cases, excavation and pipe repair may be necessary to fully address the issue. Homeowners can also take steps to prevent root intrusion by avoiding planting trees or shrubs near sewer lines and being mindful of what they flush down their drains.
• Properly dispose of FOGG (fats, oils, grease, and grit) by placing them in a sealed container and throwing them in the trash.
• Do not flush anything other than human waste and toilet paper down the toilet. Items such as wipes, feminine hygiene products, and dental floss should be thrown in the trash.
• Have your sewer lateral line inspected and cleaned by a professional plumber on a regular basis.
• Do not plant trees or shrubs near your sewer lateral line.
• Avoid pouring large amounts of water into your drains all at once. Instead, spread out water usage over time.

A manhole is a vertical access shaft in a sewer system or utility network that allows maintenance personnel to enter and access the pipes for inspection, cleaning, and repairs. It is typically a cylindrical structure made of concrete or metal, with a removable cover on top that allows entry. Manholes are important components of any underground utility network, providing access for maintenance and emergency services, as well as ventilation for the system.