Customer Tips

Know your sewer lateral's outside access points

Your sewer lateral is the pipe that connects your home to WEWJA's public sewer system, and much of it runs underground on your property. That's why it's so important to know where the outside access points are — and to keep them clear and reachable.

Residents should look for the following components of their sewer lateral to be prepared for emergencies. 

The P-trap - Many homes have a P-shaped section of pipe near where the sewer lateral enters the structure. This section of pipe, or “trap”, holds a small amount of water, which acts as a seal to stop sewer gases and odors from traveling back up into your home. If the water in this trap evaporates, usually during long dry spells, you may notice a sewer smell in your lowest level. The fix is simple: pour about a pitcher of water into the trap to refill the seal.

The cleanout - A capped access point on your sewer lateral, often flush with the ground or extended a few inches above it, that allows the line to cleaned, flushed and inspected.

The sight tee - A capped access point on your sewer lateral, often flush with the ground or extended a few inches above it, that allows visual access to the flow, and assists with dye testing and troubleshooting drainage issues..

Keeping these access points clear helps WEWJA respond faster if an issue ever comes up — saving you time, money and hassle.