Do you have a sewer backup at your home?

If you experience a sewer or drain backup, call Collierville Public Services at 901-457-2800. Our experienced crews will help determine the blockage location.

What is the Town’s responsibility?

The Town has invested hundreds of thousands of dollars over the last decade cleaning over 300,000 feet of sewer mains. Using robotic video technology, we inspect the mains for cleanliness and imperfections, creating a video database for future troubleshooting. Any deteriorated mains are rebuilt to extend their lifespan by up to 50 years. As a result, sewer backups in Collierville have decreased from 68 in 2002 to 5 in 2014. We also have a continual maintenance program to clean and remove obstructions.

Collierville continually invests in infrastructure to ensure high efficiency. However, since the sewer is not a closed system, issues such as tree roots, oil and grease buildup, and vandalism can cause clogs. If a Town sewer main becomes blocked, a maintenance crew is dispatched immediately to address the problem.

Since each situation is unique, the following information will help you understand the responsibility and liability for sewer backup damage:

1. If the obstruction is in the Town's main line, Collierville Public Services will fix it as soon as possible. Typically, the Town uses flushing equipment to restore flow without digging up the sewer line.

2. If the obstruction is in the private line connecting to the Town's main, our crews will inform you so you can contact your plumber for repairs.

3. On July 1, 2012, the Tennessee Municipal League Insurance Service notified several Tennessee communities, including Collierville, that they would no longer offer No-Fault Sewer Backup coverage. Sewer backups are not typically covered by homeowners' insurance policies. We advise you to contact your insurance company to verify coverage for sewer backups.

Steps to Avoid a Sewer Backup

1. Landscaping:

• Plant trees and large shrubs at least ten feet away from sewer lines. Roots grow towards breaks or cracks in the line, and once inside, they clog it.

2. Proper Grease Disposal:

• Never wash grease down the sink drain. Instead, collect it in containers and dispose of it in the garbage.

3. Avoid Non-Biodegradable Items:

• Do not flush items like rags, towels, diapers, and personal hygiene products that are not biodegradable.

Sanitary Sewer Do’s and Don’ts

Do Not:

• Allow fat, oil, or grease to go down the drain.

• Use the garbage disposal for food scraps.

• Use the toilet as a wastebasket.

Do:

• Pour and scrape excess grease into a container, cap it, and dispose of it in the regular garbage.

• Scrape plates and put food scraps into waste containers or garbage bags, then place them in the regular garbage.

• Use a wastebasket in the bathroom for disposable diapers, paper towels, wet wipes, personal hygiene items, cat litter, and other items that don't belong in the toilet.

• Promote the "3 R's": Reduce, Reuse, Recycle!

• Ensure your sewer cleanout is capped.

By following these guidelines, you can prevent sewer backups, save on plumbing costs, protect the environment, and help the Town of Collierville maintain its sewer system.