What typically causes sanitary sewer line breaks?

Aging Infrastructure: Much of our infrastructure is extremely old and can suffer from corrosion, cracks, and joint failures. The majority of our system is vitrified clay pipe, and while most of it is in great shape for its age, we now use PVC pipe when replacing the clay pipes because PVC pipe is more durable.

Tree Root Intrusion: Roots seek out moisture and can enter through small cracks or joints, which can create blockages in the line or even break them.

Ground Movement: Erosion and dramatic temperature fluctuations can cause ground movement that damages the underground infrastructure.

Grease and Debris: Fat, oils, grease (FOG), and debris buildup can cause blockages. When the liquid grease cools, it solidifies, restricting flow and eventually creating a blockage. Learn more at jocogov.org/fog.

Flushing Inappropriate Items: Wipes, feminine hygiene products, and other non-degradable materials cause clogs. Even if wipes are the “flushable” type, we still recommend not flushing them. These will create blockages and damage equipment at our treatment plant facilities, too. Learn more at jocogov.org/fog.

Construction Damage: Companies can cause unintentional breaks from excavation or directional boring near sewer lines.

Vandalism: Occasionally manholes are vandalized by the illegal dumping of trees, limbs, lumber, construction materials and even concrete. These cause instant blockages and immediately overwhelm our system.

What do our team members do all year round to prevent sanitary sewer line breaks?

Video Inspections: We have four crews that complete CCTV inspections, which we use to identify breaks and determine deterioration of our system.

Cleaning & Jetting: We have seven cleaning crews that use high-pressure water jetting to clear grease, roots and other debris from gravity mains.

Pipe Repairs & Replacement: Our construction team excavates damaged or deteriorated pipes. We also have a crew that installs cured in place (CIPP) lining patches, which is a trenchless method to repairing cracks or holes in pipes.

Visual Inspections: We have a team who routinely inspects stream crossing encasements each year to determine erosion or exposures.

CMMS: Our crews televise the underground pipes and utilize a computerized maintenance management program to generate a structural risk score based on the type and number of defects each one has, and then determine what areas are the most important to focus on for repairs or replacement.

Contractual Repairs: Our Existing Infrastructure team works with local cities to repair or replace our infrastructure during large storm or roadway projects to minimize disruptions. They also determine pipes that need full CIPP liners or repairs by outside contractors.

Don’t flush wipes, grease, or foreign objects. Also, ensure downspouts, sump pumps, and pool drains do not connect into the sanitary sewer system.

Avoid the areas where signage is installed. Also, if you see JCW crews out doing routine cleaning or pipe repairs in your neighborhood, you can come see what we are doing. Our crews love speaking with residents and explaining their roles in making a difference in our community. But avoid areas actively experiencing a line break or discharge of sewer water.

Report issues like lingering smells near creeks or streams. Also, if you see someone vandalizing a manhole, please report it. If you see someone flushing or dumping materials that they shouldn’t down the drains, let them know how this could negatively impact our sewer systems. If you see a suspected sanitary sewer line break, call Johnson County Wastewater's 24/7 Emergency Line at 913-715-8600.