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Sewer Clogs—
Frequently Asked Questions

The Wastewater Section maintains the sanitary sewer lines within the City limits. These lines vary from 4 to 21 inches in diameter. Regular maintenance is necessary to provide the citizens of Beaverton a problem free sewer system.

Video scanning equipment is used in the lines to observe potential problems such as root growth, grease buildup, or failing pipe. Flushing equipment is used to remove grease and roots from lines.

The responsibility of repair and maintenance for the property laterals belongs to the adjacent property owner from their connection at the main to the home or business.

The manhole is used for access to the system for maintenance.

Stay away from the liquid and call the Wastewater Section immediately at (503) 526-2223.

No, dumping grease down your house drains will cause grease buildup in your drain lines. Some people believe that if you mix hot water with the grease it will not clog your lines. While this practice may not clog the lines in your immediate house, by the time the grease gets to your lateral it will have cooled enough to build up in your lateral. Keep in mind, you are responsible for the maintenance of your lateral and calling out a plumber for this type of maintenance can be very expensive.

Wastewater collected in the City of Beaverton flows to one of two sewage treatment plants, which are operated by Clean Water Services (CWS). One is located at the end of S.W. Hall Boulevard in Tigard and the other is located on S.W. River Road in Hillsboro.

No, flushing plastic items and other non-biodegradable material, such as many brands of baby-wipes, down the toilet causes problems in sewer lines. The material will hang up in your line and cause blockages. If the material reaches the treatment plant it will cause problems at the treatment facilities also.

No, oil causes the filtration system at the treatment plant to fail and the filtration system must be cleaned and replaced causing thousands of dollars in damage.

When planting trees or other shrubbery consider the location of your sanitary lateral so as not to plant over or near it. The roots can enter into sanitary laterals and cause clogs. Should roots block your sanitary lateral and you have had the roots cleared out of the line, consider using a root abatement to decrease the chance of the roots reappearing soon after removal.

Call the Wastewater Collection Systems Maintenance Section at (503) 526-2223 to report a problem or obtain additional information. You can also use the Online Report a Problem Form to report a problem directly to the Public Works Department.

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