Warm weather is back and as sewer systems work around the clock to keep communities clean, it is important to return the favor. 

Routine maintenance is mandatory to prevent overflows and blockages as wastewater is transported from homes and buildings to waste treatment facilities. Water jetting and vacuum technologies are commonly used for sewer cleaning due to their ability to break up blockages. 

Spring can be particularly hard on sewer systems as additional buildup can contribute to frequent blockages. 

To help municipalities stay on top of the seasons, here are a few tips from the team at Vactor for this year's spring cleaning. 

• Know what lies below. Many factors contribute to blockages in sewer lines. Tree and plant roots can get caught up in the mess causing an increased risk. Before taking on a clogged sewer, operators may want to use a remote camera to identify the “root” of the problem. With something such as H.A.L.O (Hands-Free Accessory Light Option), operators have a safe, efficient way to see what is happening in those dark sewers.

• Apply proper pressure. It is important to know the size of the pipe before water jetting to ensure that the appropriate pressure is being used. The wrong flow can leave residents with blown toilets and other damage to their homes. 

• April showers bring... excess water. While vacuum systems are a common choice for cleaning up excess water, a catch basin cleaning machine might also be a great option in the spring. These machines can suck up blockages like litter and leaves, preventing flooding. They also remove pollutants before returning the stormwater to a natural water source. 

• Take preventative measures. To decrease the risk of sewer blockages, start at the source. Municipalities should educate residents and business owners about proper waste management and invest in routine street sweeping.

• Stay on top of cleaning. As snow melts, trash, sand, leaves, and other debris resurface and make their way into the sewer system. Make sure to treat new blockages as soon as possible to prevent them from growing. 

Proper infrastructure maintenance sets the foundation for a clean, safe community. An efficient sewer system is essential to a municipality's function, and the team at Vactor works hard to ensure quality sewer maintenance is possible no matter the weather.