Excelsior Public Works will be conducting the annual sanitary sewer line cleaning through August 15th. The sanitary sewer lines are cleaned using high performance sewer cleaning equipment. A cleaning nozzle is propelled from one manhole to the next using water under high pressure. The nozzle is then pulled back to the starting manhole. As the nozzle is pulled back, water scours the inside of the sanitary sewer pipe. Any debris in the pipe is pulled back with the water. The debris is removed from the manhole with a vacuum unit. This process is repeated on every sewer line cleaned.
Sewer lines can develop air pressure or a partial vacuum from the cleaning process. Usually, any excess air pressure or vacuum will dissipate through your plumbing vents, but occasionally there are homes with inadequate plumbing vents (no vents, undersized vents, or obstructed vents). In case of inadequate venting, air pressure could escape through your toilet, floor sink, tub or shower drains causing water to splash out or a vacuum could draw the water out of your fixture traps causing an unpleasant odor. To guard against this possibility please:
1. Cover all floor drains with plastic and place a weight on the plastic.
2. Cover all toilets with plastic or a towel & close the lid on the plastic/towel.
3. If you should experience an unpleasant odor, run water into each drain to refill the traps. Water and drains may be used as normal.
The cleaning of sanitary sewers is necessary to help to prevent blockages and obstructions.
Thank you for your cooperation. Our apologies for this inconvenience, if you have any questions, please contact Public Works at (952) 653-3676.
