Sewage spills occur when the wastewater in underground pipes overflows through a manhole, cleanout, or broken pipe. Most spills are relatively small and can be stopped and cleaned up quickly, but if spills are left unattended they can create health hazards, damage to homes and businesses, and threaten local waterways and the environment.
Common causes of spills are:
- Broken/cracked pipes
- Grease build-up
- Groundwater/rainwater entering the sewer system
- Missing or broken cleanout caps
- Tree roots
- Undersized sewers