The City provides sanitary sewage service. A monthly service fee is included in the utility bill. Because there is no effective way to gauge sewage output from each house, the fee is based on water consumption.
Sewer Backup
7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. weekdays
601-924-2239
After hours, weekends and holidays
601-924-5252
A sewer lateral is the sewer line that connects your home to the sewer main. The sewer lateral carries all waste water from your home into the sewer main. A private plumber installed your sewer lateral when the home was built. Because it is a private line, maintenance and repairs are the homeowner's responsibility. However, If you suspect or experience a sewer blockage, you should report it to the Clinton Public Works office for a thorough inspection.
It is the homeowner's responsibility to flush or clear the sewer lateral. The exception would be if a problem in the homeowner's lateral is caused by a blockage in the city sewer main.
A sewer clean-out is an access point on the sewer lateral that allows the line to be flushed or cleared in the event of a sewer blockage. The clean-out can also be used to prevent sewage back-up inside the home. The sewer clean-out is usually located close to the structure and is made of P.V.C. (plastic) or metal. Shrubs and plants should be kept away from the clean-out.
What Can I Flush?
City officials are asking the public’s assistance in preventing damage to city infrastructure and preventing costly backups and repairs. Public Works Director Dexter Shelby is working to educate the public about the importance of proper disposal through the city’s sewer system.
Shelby explained, “when you use your toilet, shower, washing machine or dishwasher, wastewater leaves your home through pipes that connect to the city sewer system. Many materials frequently flushed or poured down the drain can harm the pipes that connect to city sewers as well as the city sewer system.”
Every property owner connected to the city sewer system can be a potential contributor to sewer problems, and a potential victim of those problems.
Putting the wrong things down the drain can damage the sewer system, cause sewer backups in your home, and sewer releases to the environment. Anyone who uses the city sewer system should be responsible for what they flush or pour down drains.
Basically, the only things you should ever flush down a toilet are human waste (urine and feces) and toilet paper. Even though some products such as feminine hygiene products, wipes and baby diapers claim to be flushable, they aren't.
Grease and used cooking oil can also be extremely problematic for proper sewer maintenance. Grease in sewer pipes causes sewer maintenance problems for property owners and the city. Never pour grease in your sink drain and try to use your garbage disposal less. Grease can not only cause problems for the homeowners sewer lines on their property, but can also cause costly issues for their neighbors and the city’s infrastructure.
Here is a list of some things to keep out of the toilet.
- disposable diapers
- tampons and tampon applicators
- sanitary napkins
- cotton balls and swabs
- mini or maxi pads
- condoms
- cleaning wipes of any kind
- facial tissue
- bandages and bandage wrappings
- automotive fluids
- paint, solvents, sealants and thinners
- poisons and hazardous waste
- pet poop
Maintaining a working sewer system is dependent upon a working partnership between the city and residents. Taking the time to dispose of items appropriately can prevent future issues to personal property and city infrastructure. For more information about city services or to report improper disposal of grease and solid waste, please contact Clinton Public Works at 601-924-2239.