Public Works
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& events about apple valley employment resources | Departments > Public Works > Utilities > Sanitary Sewer | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Sanitary Sewer Inspect and maintain the collection system infrastructure and the sanitary lift stations and ensure uninterrupted collection of wastewater. Sanitary sewer disposal needs are served by the Environmental Services Division of the Metropolitan Council. Apple Valley has 191 miles of sanitary sewer lines. Most of the lines are in the street. Some run through utility easements in grassy areas. Each year, the Utilities Division cleans approximately one-third of the City's sanitary sewer lines. Lines requiring a higher level of maintenance are cleaned annually or semi-annually. This routine maintenance helps to prevent blockages and backups.
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. If roots are found, they are cut with a root cutter. This process is repeated on every sewer line cleaned. Brochure:
Sewer Problems? Things to Know
To view this year's sewer cleaning scheduled for the areas marked on a map >>>
Keep Your Toilet Bowl Lid Down. It's the season for sewer cleaning. Apple Valley has 191 miles of sanitary sewer lines. Each year, the Utilities Division cleans approximately one-third of the City's sanitary sewer lines. 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. If roots are found, they are cut with a root cutter. This process is repeated on every sewer line cleaned. During cleaning of sanitary sewer lines, air occasionally vents into a home through the sanitary sewer service line and ventilation system. When this happens, water in the toilet bowl can bubble or surge or, in rare instances, splash out of the bowl. The common causes of air venting into homes during sanitary sewer cleaning are: air movement from normal cleaning operations, the use of higher pressure needed when cleaning sanitary sewer lines that have a steep slope, sewer lines running close to the building, a plugged roof vent, and the size and complexity of the home's waste and ventilation system. To minimize water splashing out of your toilet bowl, keep the lid down. If you have a sewer backup and do not know where the blockage is, you might want to call the City of Apple Valley before you call a drain cleaning company. You may be able to avoid an unnecessary charge if the problem is in the City’s sewer line rather than in your property’s service line. A Utilities Division employee will determine if the problem is in the City’s line or in your property’s service line.
952-953-2400 (Public Works) Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
952-322-2323 (DCC) After hours, weekends and holidays
The homeowner is responsible for clearing any blockage in the service line between the home and the City sanitary sewer main. This includes debris and tree roots. The homeowner is also responsible for cleaning and repairing any damage done to the property by the backup.
The City is not automatically liable for blockages in the City’s sanitary sewer system. The City is only liable for those damages if the backup was caused by the City’s negligence.
Most homeowner insurance policies exclude damage resulting from sewer backups. Many insurance providers do have insurance riders that can be purchased to insure loss due to sewer backups.
Sanitary sewer line blockages are typically caused by roots, grease, and improper disposal of items. Tree roots can enter the sanitary sewer system at joints and cracks in the sewer service lines and mains. Grease can solidify in the sewer lines and restrict other waste from flowing through. The lines can be blocked by disposable diapers, disposable towelettes, feminine hygiene products, washing machine lint, or any items flushed down the drain or toilet.
The homeowner is responsible for any repairs on the service line from the home to, and including, the connection at the property line. In most locations, the City is responsible for repairs within the public road right of way.
Floor and sink drains usually have water filling the
bottom of the drain trap which acts as a barrier between the air in the sewer
line and the air in your home. When a drain trap becomes dry, sewer odors can
enter into the residence. If you experience sewer odors in your home, run water
down your drain. If you use a sump pump in your basement, it is illegal to drain the water into the basement sanitary sewer drain or laundry tub. Sump pumps must be discharged outside of the house to the yard or drainway that will prevent the water from draining directly to the street. Call the Utility Division if you need advice.
Content updated on: 02-Apr-2009
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