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1. How are sewers placed in the town?

The Town of Webster does not decide where sewers will be constructed. Residents sign a petition and give it to the Sewer Department. The department sets up a meeting, and if more than 50% of the residents in the proposed area vote yes to extend sewers to that area, then the department will hire an engineer to give a cost estimate of what it will cost each homeowner over a 20-year period.

The department then has another meeting with the affected properties and again requires more than 50% of the property owners to say yes once they know the total cost. If that happens, the Town Board will hold a public hearing and then vote to approve the project.

Sewer Department

2. Where is my sewer lateral?

The Sewer Department has a limited record of where laterals are on private properties in the town. When purchasing a house with sewers, please direct this question to the seller.

3. What should I do if my sewer is plugged?

The town is responsible for keeping the main sewer lines clear and running. If you have a slow acting drain, you will need to call a plumber. If it is backing up into your toilet or washtub or is under pressure, then contact the Sewer Department at (585) 265-0505.

4. What causes sewer odors in the house?

Sewage has a natural tendency to produce odors. All sewers have some odors. The plumbing system in your home is designed to prevent these odors from entering the house. If you are experiencing odors indoors, it is likely that there is a problem with the vapor trap.

5. What is the purpose of a vapor trap?

Every water fixture in your house has a vapor trap. This "U" shaped pipe is clearly visible under sinks, and is present in some form on all lines draining to the sewage system. The "U" shape holds water, preventing gases from backing up from the sewer into the house through the sink drain.

6. What is the purpose of the roof vent?

All houses have plumbing vents that extend through the roof. These vents allow air to flow both in and out of the house plumbing system, helping water to flow through the pipes. Working in combination with the vapor traps, gases from the sewer system are vented safely through the roof.

7. What causes blockages to occur?

Blockages can occur for two reasons. The first is the accumulation of material inside of the line. Draining unsuitable substances through the sewer, such as kitchen fats and greases or sand, clay or mud, can cause a build up and blockage in otherwise properly constructed sewers. However, the proper operation of a sewer line requires that the line is constructed "on grade", that is with a consistent slope. High or low areas along a line will cause small amounts of greases, soap scum and other material to accumulate, eventually causing a blockage. "Clean Outs" provide the homeowner or sewer drain contractor an access point for sewer line maintenance. 

The second cause of blockages is the presence of sand or roots entering the line through a break or other damage to the line. Tree roots will seek out sources of water, such as sewer lines, and will enter even the smallest cracks in the line. Roots will inevitably clog a sewer line. Larger cracks will not only allow roots to enter, but will cause sand and dirt to enter the line, blocking the flow. As dirt flows into the line, a small "sink hole" or depression appears in the ground above the leak. These sink holes almost always indicate a problem with a sanitary sewer line or a storm drain, and therefore should be investigated or reported.

8. How do I tell if it is a problem with the house or the sewer system?

Most problems with sluggish drain areas are caused by problems with the homeowner’s sewer line. Unless there is reason to suspect otherwise, we recommend that you contact a plumber or drain cleaner to restore sluggish or blocked drains. Occasionally, a plumber will suggest that the blockage is in the Town maintained portion of the sewer line. In those cases, call us at 265-0505 and we will investigate.

9. Whom do I call if I have a sewer problem?

Call the Sewer Department at (585) 265-0505 where personnel are on call 24 hours a day. If a Dispatcher is not inside the building, please call 340-1368, a telephone answering service will take any messages and forward it to a Sewer employee. The employee will return your call and respond to the problem.

10. Is my home or property connected to the Town's sanitary sewer system?

If you feel there is a question of whether your home or business is connected to the sewer system, please call the Sewer Department at (585) 265-0505.

11. What is the difference between a sanitary sewer and a storm sewer

Sanitary Sewers are sewers that take waste from your home such as toilets, showers, bathtubs, sinks, and laundry machines which goes to the Town's wastewater treatment plant and gets processed before it goes into Lake Ontario. If you have a sanitary sewer issue call 265-0505. 

Storm Sewers carry rain water from your gutters, driveways, and sump pumps straight to Lake Ontario with no treatment process. If you have a storm sewer issue call 872-1443.