FAQs

How do sewer trucks un-clog and clean sewer mains?: They use high pressure water and a series of different heads to break blockages lost in wastewater mains. These blockages can be caused by roots, grease, and vandalism. Grease comes from people dumping grease down the drain instead of disposing it some other way, like in the trash. Vandalism is when people flush things down the commode or they open a manhole and throw anything form clothes, wood, rocks, old televisions and anything else they can think of. Please call 336-883-3111 for more information.

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Water & Sewer Mains: Wastewater

1. What is a sewer clean out?: Please download an image of a sewer clean out (JPG).

2. How do sewer trucks un-clog and clean sewer mains?: They use high pressure water and a series of different heads to break blockages lost in wastewater mains. These blockages can be caused by roots, grease, and vandalism. Grease comes from people dumping grease down the drain instead of disposing it some other way, like in the trash. Vandalism is when people flush things down the commode or they open a manhole and throw anything form clothes, wood, rocks, old televisions and anything else they can think of. Please call 336-883-3111 for more information.

3. I have a sewer spill in my yard. What should I do?: Keep kids and animals away from the spill and call Customer Service (336-883-3111) to have the City come out and see why this is happening before you call a plumber. It may be something the City can take care of at no cost to you.

4. How soon can a crew respond to my sewer emergency?: We will be there within 1 hour, or as soon as possible if already on another call. Please call 336-883-3111 for more information.

5. Does Water Sewer Mains work 24/7?: Yes we have emergency response teams for after hour operation /service. Please call 336-883-3111 for more information.

6. How often is the sewer system cleaned?: The wastewater collection system is being cleaned all the time. We clean different parts of the system each day. We have a goal to clean more than 10% of the system a year. Please call 336-883-3111 for more information.

7. Who do I call about a clean out cap missing?: We help the customer maintain their sewer service from the back of the curb to the Main in the street. Please call customer service (336-883-3111) and they will enter a work order and someone from the City will be out as soon as possible to replace.

8. What is a backwater (swing check) valve?: This valve is normally installed next to the customer's house to prevent wastewater from going in the wrong direction. Please call 336-883-3111 for more information.

9. How do I dispose of grease?: Do not dump grease down the drain. Please refer to the Fats, Oil, and Grease (FOG) information located on the Industrial Pretreatment page.

10. How often are the outfalls mowed?: We mow outfalls throughout the year. Our goal is to mow all the City's outfalls once a year. Please call 336-883-3111 for more information.