What should I do if I experience a sewer stoppage?
Before calling a plumber, call the City of Seaford's Public Works Department at (302) 629-8307 or the City Hall at (302) 629-9173, Monday to Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m and 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. May 1st-Sept. 30th. After normal business hours you can call 302-629-4550. " An emergency crew will be dispatched to determine if the blockage is in the sewer main in the street or the sewer lateral coming from the house to the main pipe. If there is a cleanout in the right-of-way we will check it to see if it is backed up to the main. If it is, you will need to call a plumber to clear the line so that we can visually inspect it to determine if it needs to be repaired or replaced at no cost to the property owner. If there is no property line cleanout, or if the cleanout cannot be located, you will need to contact a plumber to assist you (also see below).

What is a "sewer stoppage"?
A sewer stoppage can cause a sewage backup through the drains in your home or business resulting in an unpleasant event. There are steps you can take to protect your property. Wastewater flows through small pipes in your building and on your property to the larger public sewer mains in the public right-of-ways and easement, normally in the street. From there, the wastewater travels by gravity or pressure to the City Wastewater Treatment Plant were it is treated, reclaimed and returned to the environment. A sewer stoppage in the private and/or the public wastewater pipes causes a backup through floor drains, fixtures or toilets at the lower point in your building. The overflow continues until the stoppage is cleared, removed or until the wastewater flow stops.

What causes a Sewer Backup?
Anything, which should not be in a sewer line, has the potential of causing a blockage. For example:
Kitchen grease, disposable diapers and sanitary napkins.

Tree roots seeking moisture can grow through tiny cracks in the pipes causing a stoppage.

Vandals have stopped up pipes by putting stones, bricks, wood, oil filters, sticks, rope and other objects in open sewer cleanouts or even in sewer manholes.

Illegal hookups allow excess water into the sewer pipes. Outside stairwell drains, sump pumps, roof leaders and rain gutters should never be connected to the sewer system. A sewer system is designed to carry a predetermined amount of sewage. Rain water not only overloads the system, but also raises the cost of the treatment process.