Sewer Information

Maintaining the sanitary sewer system is a shared responsibility between the City and property owners.  The City manages a comprehensive maintenance program for sewer mains, which includes inspecting lines to identify issues, correcting problems, and making repairs as needed. Our crews also operate a sewer jet machine that uses high-pressure water and specialized root-cutting tools to clean and maintain the City sanitary sewer mains.

Property owners are responsible for the pipeline (service line) that runs from their home to the City’s sanitary sewer main.  If this line becomes clogged, it can cause sewage to back up into the home—an unpleasant and costly mess to clean up.

If you experience a sewer backup, contact the City first at (319) 352-6247.  We will check the sewer mains in your area before you call a plumber, ensuring the issue is not on the City side of the system.

Help to Keep Your Sewer Lines Flowing With the Following Tips:

Beware of FOG!  Never pour fats, oils or grease (FOG) down sinks, toilets or drains.  FOG may look like liquid when drained, but it solidifies when discharged into your sewer line and the sanitary sewer system.  Solidified FOG has a snowball effect, collecting other materials to form a blockage that can clog your sewer lines.  Keep FOG out of the sewer lines by draining grease and cooking oil into a covered container and disposing of it in the garbage. 

Don’t forget the potential “root” of the problem!  Tree roots entering the sewer system can cause sewer backups.  Tree roots seek out sewer lines because any crack or loose joint in the pipe will allow water vapors to escape.  The roots are attracted to the water source and enter the sewer lines.  Once in the sewer lines, the roots will grow down and eventually plug the lines.  Contact your plumber or local hardware store for the best ways to prevent/control roots from plugging your sewer lines.

Don’t treat your toilet like a garbage can!  Only flush the three P’s (Poop, Pee, and toilet Paper).  Beware of products such as wipes that are labeled as flushable.  Flushable does not mean biodegradable. 

Do Not Flush

• Diapers
• Dental floss & whitening strips
• Cotton swabs
• Hair
• Kitty litter and pet waste
• Bandages and medications
• Dryer sheets
• Paper towels, tissues & napkins
• Wipes (baby wipes, cleaning wipes, flushable wipes)
• Personal hygiene items (including tampons, sanitary pads and condoms)