Hurricane Tips From Water Reclamation

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Whenever there is heavy rain, the sanitary sewer system can become overwhelmed by the increased water intruding the system. Excess water can enter from:

  • Sewer lids not being closed properly

  • Missing clean out caps

  • Clean out lines are a vertical pipe connected to the underground sewer line. It has a removable cap for ease of maintenance access. These caps ensure that unwanted water and debris stay out of the lines.
  • Small cracks in the system 

 

Help minimize issues by following these tips:

Before a Storm:

  • Check your clean out caps to ensure they are in place and tightened.

  • Report sewer lids that are not properly closed to water reclamation dispatch at 407.246.2213.

  • Address any blockage concerns in your sanitary sewer lines with a plumber to ensure a clear flow.

  • To prevent clogging keep these items out of your drain

  • Take note if there is a private lift station near your home. If the private lift station alarm can potentially be seen and/or heard from the safety of your home, have the posted phone number available so you can report if the alarm sounds. 

During and After a Storm

  • Minimize your usage of running water to avoid sewage overflow by:
  • Avoid running washing machines and dishwashers
  • Take quick showers instead of baths
  • Flush toilets sparingly
  • Report stopped sewers or overflows of sewers to Water Reclamation dispatch at 407.246.2213.
  • If a lift station alarm sounds near your home, call the posted number of the lift station you collected BEFORE the storm
    • Please do not go outside in the middle of a storm 

 

If you have any questions concerning these hurricane tips from Water Reclamation, contact Kimberlie Schionning at 407.246.2657 or by email at kimberlie.schionning@orlando.gov.

 

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