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1. What is a sanitary sewer clean-out?

Sanitary sewer clean-out is plumbing access to a structure's sanitary sewer drain piping to allow for a cleaning entry point when a stoppage occurs.

2. What are the city's responsibilities for sewer line problems?

The city is responsible for sewer main lines. Customer service lines are the responsibility of the customer.

3. What about problems with my sewer service?

In case of a sewage backup, please notify the City Service Center at 936-294-5700. The Waste Water Division will check the city main to determine if the problem is the City's responsibility or the homeowners?.

4. How do I know if I am on the sewer system?

If an individual is paying a sewer bill, that individual is connected to the city sewer. Normally, a residence will have at least 1 service line clean-out pipe either near the street or next to the home.

5. What is sewer averaging?

Each individually metered residential account, supplied with sewer service by the City, is charged for this service in 1 of 2 ways. The 1st method is a "sewer average" charge. This is comprised of a minimum sewer charge and a volume charge based upon the average amount of water consumed during the months of November-February. The sewer charge for the average monthly usage of these 4 months is calculated and then set as the customer's "sewer average".

The customer is charged this set amount each month for the next 12 months, until it is updated after the next November - February usage. These months were selected because these typically are the months that customers are not using their water for irrigation purposes, filling swimming pools, or other outdoor watering. Customers without this November-February usage history are charged sewer for 80% of the meter usage, up to a maximum monthly amount of 10,000 gallons ($51.96), until the November - February usage history is established.

6. What is the difference between the storm drainage system and the wastewater system?

The storm drainage systems consists of the natural and man made channels and underground pipes (storm drains) that transport rainwater from streets, yards and other areas. This water goes directly to our creeks, rivers and lakes carrying pollutants with it. Water entering the storm drainage system is not treated.

The waste water (sanitary sewer) system is composed of a branching network of pipes and manholes. It is used to collect and transport the water from the sinks, washing machines, toilets and other such facilities. Waste water is treated, disinfected and released to the creeks or rivers.

7. Can sewer gas enter my home from sewer lines?

Sewer gas can enter a building when the water located in a trap in the building evaporates. All fixtures that are connected to the sewer system must have traps on them. The water normally retained in the trap forms a barrier which keeps the gases from migrating from the sewer lines into the building.

If sewer gas is detected inside the building, flush water down each drain to ensure the traps are full of water. This will reinstate the barrier which keeps the gases from entering the building.