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Page 8 Spring/Summer 2020

Frequently asked questions about your sewer issues

Whose sewer is it?

The Water and Sewer Dept. cleans and maintains the mainline sanitary sewers generally located within a public right
-of-way. As a rule, these sanitary sewers are 10 inches or larger in diameter. The sanitary sewer lateral pipe from
your house to the mainline is generally six inches in diameter. The lateral pipe is installed and maintained by the
homeowner as per the codified ordinances of the Township.

What should I do when my sewer is backing up?

Call the Water and Sewer Dept. at one of the following: Clinton Twp. Main Office: 586-286-9300, weekdays, 8:30
a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Shook Road Maintenance Facility: 586-791-1766, weekdays, 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. After Hours
Emergency Number: 586-469-5502 (a police dispatch operator will answer). A representative of the Water and
Sewer Dept. will respond as soon as possible by visiting the site to determine if the problem is the responsibility of
the Township or the homeowner. The department offers 24-hour, on-call service, with no service fee.
ALL WATER AND SEWER DEPARTMENT EMPLOYEES CARRY PICTURE IDENTIFICATION.
Who do I call to clean my sanitary sewer lateral pipe?

We recommend you contact three contractors to compare prices. Ask each for a minimum estimate, including how
many feet of cleaning is done, and a price per additional foot. Ask about a warranty, for how long, and what does it
include. If one price is much lower than the others, ask for references, or check with the Better Business Bureau.
Once the contractor opens your drain, ask to have it cleaned with the largest cleaning tool that can be safely used.
CLINTON TOWNSHIP IS NOT ABLE TO ENDORSE OR RECOMMEND ANY DRAIN CLEANING SERVICES.
What should I do if can't have my sanitary sewer lateral cleaned because the pipe is

damaged or needs replacement?

We suggest you hire a drain cleaning contractor, who can insert a closed circuit television camera into the sanitary
lateral to locate and identify any problems. This first step is a less costly alternative in cleaning your sewer lateral
before any excavation for repairs. Contractors who provide this service are listed online or in phone directories. If
your sanitary sewer lateral needs replacement, be advised that the contractor you hire must register with the
Clinton Township Water and Sewer Department. Not all drain cleaning contractors are registered to repair and
install sanitary sewer laterals. Registered contractors must meet certain standards, have proper insurances and post
a bond covering their work. We recommend you contact three contractors to compare prices.

Definitions of terms and abbreviations

Action Level (AL) – The concentration of a contaminant, Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level (MRDL) – The highest
which, if exceeded, triggers treatment or other requirements level of a disinfectant allowed in drinking water. There is
which a water system must follow. convincing evidence that addition of a disinfectant is
necessary for control of microbial contaminants.
Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) – The total of bromoacetic,
chloroacetic, dibromoacetic, dichloroacetic, and Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level Goal (MRDLG) – The
trichloroacetic acids. Compliance is based on the total. highest level of a disinfectant allowed in drinking water. There
is convincing evidence that addition of a disinfectant is
Locational Running Annual Average (LRAA)
necessary for control of microbial contaminants.
Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) – The highest level of a
Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG) – The level of a
contaminant allowed in drinking water. MCLs are set as close
to the MCLGs as feasible using the best available treatment contaminant in drinking water below which there is no known
technology. or expected risk to health.