Sewer Preventive Maintenance 

The Sanitary Sewer Maintenance Section's aggressive preventive maintenance program ensures that sewer mains remain in proper working order and prevents many problems before they occur. Hydraulic sewer jet cleaners are used to clean sewer lines with high pressure water hoses removing grease, grit and other debris from the lines. These sewer jets are also equipped with hydraulic root saws that are used to cut tree roots from main lines where roots are a problem.  In addition to cleaning sewers these crews also respond to stoppage complaints. The program's goal consists of routine cleaning every public sewer main in which an obstruction may result in a backup into a residence or business. The routine cleaning frequency for these lines is intended to be at least a minimum of once every three (3) years.

The Sanitary Sewer Maintenance Section provides 24 hours a day seven days a week service in response to reports of sanitary sewer backups and overflows. Upon being notified of a problem, a two-person crew with a hydraulic sewer jet cleaner is dispatched to the location. Generally the crew will contact the complainant to determine the nature and extent of the problem. The crew then inspects and cleans any sewer 6 inches in diameter or larger which could remedy the problem. Any obstruction determined to be in a public sewer is followed up with an internal TV inspection of the sewer line. In most cases, after a complete review of the incident, the location and the cause of the obstruction can be determined. If the problem is in the customer's line, they will be advised to contact a plumber or sewer service company.

WHAT IS SMOKE TESTING?  Smoke Testing is used to locate potential points where extraneous water is entering into the sanitary sewer system.  Smoke testing can help locate improper connections to the system, as well as areas where unwanted water is entering the system.  FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 

WHAT IS ROOT CONTROL?   Root Control is a preventive maintenance program which controls the growth of roots, a major contributor to sewer line problems.  Sewer cleanouts in front of residential properties as well as sanitary manholes are opened and treated for excessive root growth.

Sewer Backups

• Is my property at risk of getting a backup?   Sewer backups at your property is a potential problem for every Town resident connected to the public sewer system. From any point in the system the introduction of items such as disposable diapers, tree roots, coffee grounds and grease can cause clogs and back-ups in spite of regular Town maintenance and cleaning. 

• What should I do if I get a backup?     Call the Department of Public Works (410) 638-4545 before calling a plumber.  The Town will only inspect and clean the blockage from our property line to the main in the street,  if there is a cleanout. The Town does not provide clean-out service for private sewer lines.  

• Will I be reimbursed expenses incurred as a result of backup damage? The Town of Bel Air cannot guarantee that your sewer system will never backup and in most cases is not responsible to pay for damages resulting from a sewer backup. Protect Yourself from Financial Loss. . . caused by back up of sewers and drains. CONTACT your homeowner's insurance carrier -- AND request the addition of this coverage to your policy.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL: Deparmtment of Public Works @ (410) 638-4545 or (410)879-9507