Understanding Sewer Systems: A Guide for Homeowners and Professionals

Jan 14, 2025 | Plumbing, Sewer

Sewer systems play a critical role in our daily lives, silently working behind the scenes to carry away wastewater, protect public health, maintain the environment, and ensure communities operate smoothly. Yet, these systems are often overlooked until a problem arises—be it a high sewer bill, slow-draining sinks, or stormwater flooding.

This blog post will serve as a complete guide to understanding sewer infrastructure, its importance in residential and community settings, and how effective sewer system management impacts customers, cities, and the environment. Whether you’re a homeowner, a DIY enthusiast, or a plumbing professional, you’ll walk away with valuable insights into the operation and maintenance of sewer systems.

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What Are Sewer Systems and How Do They Function?

Sewer systems are underground infrastructure designed to collect, carry, and dispose of sewage and wastewater from residential, commercial, and industrial properties. These systems connect homes and businesses to large municipal wastewater services, where the water is treated and safely returned to the environment.

There are two main types of sewer systems commonly found in cities and communities across the U.S:

Sanitary Sewer Systems

Sanitary sewer systems are an essential part of modern infrastructure, designed to transport wastewater from residential, commercial, and industrial areas to treatment facilities. Unlike stormwater systems, which handle rainwater runoff, sanitary sewers exclusively manage wastewater from indoor plumbing fixtures such as sinks, toilets, and showers. These systems work through a network of underground pipes, pumping stations, and manholes, ensuring waste is efficiently transported without harming the environment or public health.

Proper maintenance of sanitary sewer systems is crucial to prevent blockages, overflows, and contamination of local water bodies. Issues like grease buildup, invasive tree roots, and improper flushing of non-biodegradable items can lead to costly repairs and service disruptions. Customers play a vital role in preserving these systems by following usage guidelines, such as avoiding the disposal of fats, oils, and wipes into drains.

Investments in sanitary sewer infrastructure not only enhance system performance but also protect natural resources and public well-being. Through regular inspections, maintenance, and community awareness, municipalities and property owners can work together to keep sanitary sewer systems reliable and effective for years to come.

Combined Sewer Systems

Combined sewer systems are a type of sewer infrastructure designed to collect both wastewater and stormwater in the same network of pipes. This dual-purpose system directs water from homes, businesses, and rainfall to a centralized treatment facility before being discharged into local water bodies. Combined sewer systems were historically implemented in older urban areas because they were cost-effective and efficient at the time of their construction.

However, during heavy rainfall or snowmelt events, the capacity of combined sewer systems can become overwhelmed, leading to a situation known as a combined sewer overflow (CSO). CSOs can result in untreated wastewater and stormwater being discharged directly into rivers, lakes, or oceans, potentially harming aquatic ecosystems and posing risks to public health.

To mitigate these impacts, municipalities have employed strategies such as constructing retention basins, upgrading sewer infrastructure, and implementing green infrastructure solutions like permeable pavements and rain gardens to manage stormwater at its source. Public participation also plays a role, as reducing water use during storms and properly managing runoff can help minimize strain on combined sewer systems.

Redesigning and modernizing combined sewer systems is a critical step in addressing environmental challenges and ensuring urban areas can handle increasingly frequent and intense storms driven by climate change. By combining innovative solutions and community engagement, cities can reduce the risks associated with combined sewer systems while maintaining their critical role in urban sanitation and water management.

To stay compliant, most municipalities work with agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to regulate proper sewer system construction, operation, and maintenance, protecting public health while ensuring environmental sustainability.

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Why Sewer Infrastructure Matters

A city’s water and sewer infrastructure is an essential part of urban life. It supports everything from flushing toilets to running dishwashers, playing a foundational role in the health, safety, and growth of communities. Without efficient infrastructure, leaking pipes or untreated wastewater can pose risks to public health and property.

Key Functions of Sewer Infrastructure

Wastewater Collection and Treatment

Wastewater from properties is safely collected and transported to treatment plants, where it’s treated to eliminate harmful bacteria, chemicals, and other contaminants.

Stormwater Management

Sewer systems help cities manage stormwater by directing excess rainwater away from streets and properties into controlled environments for disposal.

Environmental Protection

When managed correctly, sewer systems protect rivers, lakes, and other natural resources from pollution caused by untreated sewage or chemical spills.

Cost-Effective Solutions for Communities

Investment in modern sewer infrastructure reduces repair costs over time, ensuring smooth residential and municipal operations for years to come.

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Breaking Down Sewer Costs and Billing

For many sewer customers, the sewer bill is a recurring expense tied to water usage and wastewater services. Understanding how this bill is calculated—and where the fees go—can empower you to track usage and engage with the billing or payments process more effectively.

What Does Your Sewer Bill Cover?

Sewer bills typically reflect costs associated with maintaining a city’s sewer infrastructure, water treatment, and environmental safety measures.

Usage Fees

These are based on the volume of water used at your property. Residential or municipal sewer systems often scale costs depending on usage tiers.

Maintenance Costs

A portion of your payment helps maintain sewer pipes and treatment facilities within your city or county.

Environmental and Safety Initiatives

Municipal sewer operations often involve collaborative agreements with agencies to fund safety projects and environmental protection programs.

How to Pay Your Sewer Bill

Cities and counties offer multiple ways for customers to make sewer bill payments, ensuring convenience for any lifestyle. These include:

  • Online Portals: Pay your bill through secure websites maintained by the city or county offices.
  • Mail Payments: Send payments via traditional mail to the specified office address listed in your billing statement.
  • Automatic Billing: Set up recurring payments for seamless transactions from your account.
  • Customer Service Centers: Visit office locations for in-person payments or assistance.

Remember to update your mailing or email addresses with customer service when moving properties to ensure uninterrupted billing and communication.

Maintaining Sewer Systems to Protect Communities

Properly functioning sewer systems require consistent maintenance and regular inspections. Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast handling clogs or a municipality managing large-scale infrastructure, preventive action can protect both the environment and the financial health of your community.

Tips for Homeowners and DIY Enthusiasts

Use Drain Covers

Install drain covers to catch debris such as food scraps and hair before they enter your sewer connection.

Dispose of Trash Responsibly

Never flush trash or cooking grease down the drain; they can clog pipes over time.

Schedule Routine Maintenance

Engage licensed plumbing professionals to inspect sewer lines and conduct necessary repairs before a costly emergency arises.

Municipalities and Sewer Utilities

Invest in Infrastructure Projects

Cities and counties should prioritize modernizing old sewer infrastructure to manage growing populations and protect against flooding.

Regular Cleanings

High-traffic sewer lines in urban areas require frequent cleaning to remove accumulated debris and prevent blockages.

Community Engagement

Host informational sessions to educate sewer customers about best practices for wastewater disposal and minimizing environmental impact.

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What Customers Need to Know About Sewer Services

Whether you’re a sewer service user or utility operator, staying informed about wastewater services, fees, and rights is essential. Municipalities typically provide resources for customers to stay updated on policies, projects, and payment services.

Contact Details

Keep the customer service phone numbers, emails, and office addresses of your municipal sewer service up-to-date for easy access in case of emergencies or questions.

Check Notifications

Watch for city notices about large-scale construction projects that could affect sewer connections, access, or rates.

Agreements and Contracts

If you’re starting new service, ensure you thoroughly review and understand any agreements provided by the service office.

The Future of Sewer Systems

From climate change to urban expansion, cities will increasingly rely on smart sewer infrastructure to sustain quality urban living. Innovations such as automated wastewater treatment facilities and advanced monitoring tools will likely shape the future, lowering costs while ensuring community safety.

Customers and municipalities working hand-in-hand can ensure these developments serve both people and the environment effectively for generations to come.

Resources and Relevant Websites

EPA – Combined Sewer Overflows (CSOs):

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency provides detailed information about combined sewer overflows, their impacts, and strategies for mitigation.

Visit EPA CSOs Overview

American Rivers – Green Infrastructure Solutions:

Learn about green infrastructure techniques for managing stormwater and reducing the burden on sewer systems.

Explore Green Infrastructure

National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA):

This organization offers resources and advocacy tools related to wastewater management and environmental sustainability.

Visit NACWA

Massachusetts Clean Energy Center – Permeable Pavements:

Discover how permeable pavements contribute to effective stormwater management and urban sustainability.

Learn About Permeable Pavements

Center for Neighborhood Technology – Rain Gardens:

Gain insights into rain gardens and their role in reducing urban runoff and improving water quality.

Learn About Rain Gardens

World Resources Institute – Climate-Resilient Cities:

This resource focuses on building urban resilience to climate change, including innovative approaches to stormwater management.

Explore Climate-Resilient Cities

MD Sewer and Plumbing is your go to for sewer and plumbing services. Contact us today!

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Empower Your Sewer Knowledge

Understanding sewer infrastructure and services is key to safeguarding your property, reducing your environmental footprint, and becoming an informed subscriber. For all your sewer billing, payment assistance, and upkeep questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to your municipal utilities office or explore additional resources from industry experts.

By staying proactive and informed, we can collectively protect our water and sewer systems while building better communities for the future.

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