Fats, oils, and grease can be a major problem for Edenton's sewers. When poured down the drain, fats, oils, and grease hardens inside sewer pipes, constricting wastewater flow and clogging the pipes. Restaurants and other food service establishments are a significant source of fats, oils, and grease because of the amount of grease they use in cooking and other food preparation work.
Please Help the Town Prevent Sewer Back-ups and Overflows
- Have you ever experienced a sanitary sewer back-up or overflow? Did you know that most sewer back-ups and overflows can be prevented with a progressive preventive maintenance program? Everyone can help to prevent back-ups or overflows by wisely using the Town of Edenton’s sanitary sewer system. The Town of Edenton is “recruiting” customer partners who are willing to join our efforts to prevent sewer back-ups and overflows.
- Sewer back-ups and overflows are frequently caused by improper materials such as fats, oils, and grease being placed into the sewer system by the Town’s customers. Since fats, oils, and grease are lighter than water, they tend to accumulate at the top and sides of sewer pipes and will build up until a blockage occurs. When a blockage happens, the sewer will back up or overflow resulting in property and environmental damage.
- The Town of Edenton’s Sewer Use Ordinance requires restaurants to install and maintain a grease trap and/or interceptor to prevent grease from entering the sewer system. However, there are many more residential kitchens on the sewer system than there are restaurants in Edenton. By reducing the amount of fats, oils, and grease that enter the sewer system from homes, you can help protect the environment by preventing sewer back-ups and overflows.
- Sanitary sewer systems are designed to handle three things: used water, human body waste, and toilet paper. You can help by doing these simple things that will help the Town protect water quality and maintain the sewer system in Edenton.
DO NOT:
- Pour grease, fats, and oils from cooking down the drain.
- Use the toilet as a wastebasket.
- Use the sewer as a means to dispose of food scraps.
DO:
- Collect grease in a container and dispose of it properly in the garbage.
- Place food scraps in waste containers or garbage bags for disposal with solid waste, or start a compost pile.
- Place a wastebasket in the bathroom to dispose of solid waste. Disposable diapers, condoms, and personal hygiene products do not belong in the sewer system.
By following these suggestions they can save you money too! Most sewer back-ups occur between the house and the Town’s sewer main, where the property owner is responsible for fixing the problem. By avoiding a blockage you will be avoiding costly plumbing bills. When the blockage occurs in the Town’s sewer main, the Town will correct the problem.
Please call the Public Works Dept. at (252) 482-4111, to report a sewer back-up or overflow. After hours call the after-hours emergency number, (252) 482-4444.
Thank you for your help!