Sanitary FAQs

Frequently asked questions regarding the Village of Berkeley Public Works Sanitary Division:

Index

After the Public Works Department jetted in my area, my water was rust colored. Is it safe?
Can my residential sanitary line be jetted?
How is the sewer main cleaned?
How often is the sewer main cleaned?
Who is responsible for the different sections of a Sanitary Sewer Line?
Will Public Works jetting effect my connection to the sanitary main?

After the Public Works Department jetted in my area, my water was rust colored. Is it safe?

Because the jetting process requires a large volume of water, fire hydrants must be opened and flushed to connect to the jetter. At times, flushing the hydrant can dislodge rust or debris within the water main, causing a temporary "rust color" to residential services. Running the bathtub or any other volume water device for a few minutes will clear residential lines, making the water safe and clear once again.

Can my residential sanitary line be jetted?

A licensed plumber will use a similar jetting device to remove obstructions from residential services, but the Village of Berkeley Jetting Truck produces too much pressure to safely use within a residential home.

How is the sewer main cleaned?

The sanitary main is cleaned or "jetted" utilizing a high-pressure, water jetting apparatus that produces up to 3000 psi of water-scouring force to remove grease and debris from sanitary lines. In instances where roots are the main cause of the blockage, a root cutting attachment is used in conjunction with the jetting tool to clear the roots and remove the debris from the system.

How often is the sewer main cleaned?

The entire sanitary main is cleaned or "jetted" several times a year and areas around blockages are jetted back to the main sewer outlet whenever a blockage is reported.

Who is responsible for the different sections of a Sanitary Sewer Line?

In most cases, the property owner, not the Village, is responsible for repairing the sewer line running from the house to the public main in the street. Please see this informational flyer for additional information.

Will Public Works jetting effect my connection to the sanitary main?

When the sanitary line is being cleaned, lateral connections (or residential connections) are largely unaffected by the process except at the point where the residential line connects to the main being cleaned. Aside from that possibility, the homeowner is responsible for cleaning from the home to the main to prevent blockages.