Sewer Backups

If your sewer backs up, please call the Water Service Center during regular business hours at (903) 531-1285. A crew can make sure the blockage is not in the city-owned portion of the pipe before you incur the expense of a private plumber.

For emergencies after hours, on weekends or holidays, please call the Golden Road Water Treatment Plant at (903) 597-6541.

Cleanouts

It is a good idea for all property owners and tenants to become familiar with the general layout of their plumbing system, especially the location of their sewer cleanout. The cleanout cover is usually located in the yard and allows easy access to the more distant parts of the private sewer line so blockages may be removed. A plumber can help locate sewer cleanouts.

Know the three Ps. 

Fats, Oils and Grease (FOG)

Fats, oils and grease, known collectively as FOG, represent the most serious enemy of our sewer lines.

• Butter
• Cooking oil
• Salad dressing
• Mayonnaise
• Grease
• Gravy
• Sauces
• Food/meat scraps
• Lard
• Margarine
• Shortening

 When FOG is dumped down the drain, it forms large, thick grease balls that clog pipes. Clogged pipes can result in sewer backups and spills, create environmental problems, cause traffic tie-ups or even flood homes and businesses. Commercial food-handling facilities contribute greatly to FOG buildup in sewer lines because of the amount of grease used in cooking and other food prep work. Preventing sewer backups from FOG blockages also saves money.

Important! When sewer pipes back up on private property, the homeowner or business owner is responsible for the cleanup.