Sewer Service Interruptions back  
Date of Record: May 22, 2007

TOPICS

  • What to do if You Have a Problem
  • Important Things to Know When Calling a Plumber 
  • Operating Rules for Plumbers in the City of Largo 
  • Important Things to Know About Easements
  • Potential Problems 
  • Maintaining Your Plumbing and Wastewater Collection System

What to do if You Have a Problem

  • If your drain doesn't work, check to see if it's one drain or the whole house.
  • If it's just one drain, you can try to unstop it yourself or call a certified and licensed plumber.
  • If the entire house is affected, check with your next door neighbors to determine if they are experiencing a problem.
  • If the neighbors are also experiencing a problem, contact the City and a work crew will respond to check the main line.
  • If the neighbors don't seem to have a problem or if you can't contact them, call a certified and licensed plumber.
  • If the plumber determines that the problem is in the vicinity of the property line, or on City property, the plumber must contact the City and coordinate an on-site meeting with our Environmental Services staff.
  • The City can only assist the homeowner with compensation for a portion of the plumber's bill if the plumber calls the City and takes the following action:
    1. Contacts the City Environmental Services staff, (M-F, 7:30 am to 5:00 pm) at Ph # 727-507-4460. After hours phone, Largo Police Dispatch Center, 727-587-6730.
    2. Reports his/her name and license certificate number.
    3. Reports the address of the property involved.
    4. Reports the nature and location of the blockage.
    5. Coordinates an on-site meeting with our Environmental Services staff.
  • Simply writing that the problem appears to have been on the City's property is not sufficient for us to authorize compensation for a portion of the plumber's bill.

Important Things to Know When Calling a Plumber

  • Always use a licensed and certified plumber.
  • Ask friends and neighbors to recommend a plumber or ask the plumbers being considered for references and investigate.
  • Call the local Better Business Bureau or consumer affairs office to help determine customer satisfaction with the plumbers being considered.
  • Check plumber or company complaint records on the Internet at: \w{3,}.pinellascounty.org/consumer
  • Obtain price quotes from more than one plumber and compare the rates.
  • Ask if the work is guaranteed and for how long.
  • Confirm that the plumbing contractor is properly licensed, insured, and bonded before allowing them to work at the property.
  • Ask the plumber if the company is insured against claims covering worker's compensation, property damage, and personal liability in the event of an accident.
  • Advise the plumber of any history of wastewater problems.
  • If the property has a long private service line (100' or more) ask the plumber if equipment will be adequate to rod the entire line.
  • Most plumbers will charge extra for nights, weekends, and holidays.

Operating Rules for Plumbers in the City of Largo

Determine source and location of the wastewater problem
Upon arrival, determine if the problem is on:

City property
Private property
Look for a clean-out at the property line and
Check clean-out
Determine if the main line is backed up
Rod the line, as appropriate
If you reach the vicinity of the property line without encountering resistance and determine the problem is at the tap or on city property
Call the Water Resources 24 hour phone line

The city may compensate a property owner or customer for a portion of the plumber's service charge only if the City crew is dispatched after a call from a certified and licensed plumber. Furthermore, it must be confirmed that the problem is due to a blockage in the City wastewater collection system.

All plumbers operating within the City of Largo and its service areas should be familiar with the Sewer Blockages Policies and Procedures.

Important Things to Know About Easements

Easements must be kept clear. The Environmental Services Department provides routine maintenance and emergency care as they work to maintain the City's wastewater collection system. This work is usually done in the utility easements throughout the city and its service areas. Access to an easement should be kept open and free of obstructions.

A property owner may not hinder the work of the Environmental Services Department by limiting access to its wastewater collection system or appurtenances.

If obstructions are not removed by the property owner they will be removed by the City so that utility work can be completed.

All costs involving repair of hard surfaces, removal and replacement of fences, sheds, walls, trees, shrubbery, hedges, and other obstructions of the City's easement shall be the responsibility of the property owner.

Homeowners interested in planting trees, installing fences, or any other possible obstruction near an easement should contact Sunshine Locates Ph. 800-432-4770 to request a line locate.  

Potential Problems

  • Homeowners might notice a slow flowing drainage system and hear gurgling noises from the toilet bowls and observe wet areas around floor drains after completing laundry. A complete blockage may occur if no remedial action is taken.
  • A blockage will cause a backup through floor drains and toilets at the lowest point in the structure. An overflow will continue until the blockage is removed or until wastewater is no longer entering the line.
  • Tree roots seeking moisture can grow through cracks in the pipes. Roots will expand in wastewater service lines exerting great pressure. Pipes structurally damaged by severe root intrusion will require replacement.
  • Kitchen grease and other flushable items may accumulate and cause a blockage. Do not put grease or oils down the drain.
  • Illegal hookups allow excess water into the lines and overload the wastewater collection system. Rain gutters, pool drains, or other drainage systems should never be connected to the wastewater collection system.

Maintaining Your Plumbing and Wastewater Collection System

The customer is responsible for all normal maintenance of the wastewater service line on private property. This falls into two major categories: regular maintenance and long term care.

Regular maintenance

  • Removal of materials that are flushed, dropped, or inserted into the wastewater line (toys, diapers, etc.).
  • Removal of construction debris
  • Removal of tree roots that may grow into the private service lateral
Long term care
  • Pipes will age and become susceptible to infiltration or collapse. A property owner or customer should have private service laterals inspected by a licensed plumber. Replace aging pipe as necessary.
  • The property owner and/or customer should know where the private clean-out is and keep the area maintained so that it is accessible.
  • If a problem exists between the home and the city clean-out, it is the resident's responsibility to correct the problem.
  • If you do not have a private clean-out, it is advisable to have a plumber install one when they are making a service call.
  • Once installed you may either call a plumber or open the private clean-out to clear a stoppage.
  • It is the property owner's responsibility to maintain a private clean-out.
  • The property owner and/or customer should know the location of manholes, city service laterals, and wastewater collection mains. Do not place permanent structures in these areas.
  • The property owner and/or customer should know the location of water and wastewater service lines cross the property. Avoid these areas when planting landscape plants and/or trees. Do not place permanent structures over water and wastewater service lines.