Report a Problem

 Odor

Components of the District’s collection system have been designed and constructed to minimize odors. Residential and commercial plumbing systems are also designed to minimize odors. If you experience a sewer odor, that odor may be originating from the District’s collection system. It may also be originating from the building’s plumbing system.

Building plumbing systems have p-traps. P-traps prevent odors from backing up into the building because water in the trap acts as an airtight seal that blocks the odor from escaping the pipe. Homeowners should run water in drains on a regular basis. If there are certain drains that are not used very often, run water through that drain periodically. When returning from vacations, be sure to run water through all of the drains. Don’t forget garage sinks, laundry tubs, and bar sinks. This should prevent sewer odors from entering your home.

If the odor is outside, notify the District so that we may determine and correct the cause.

Roach

One problem that is often attributed to sewers is roaches. Roaches do not enter your home or apartment from the sewers. Roaches enter a building in search of shelter and food. They enter through cracks in doors and window openings. Roaches will seek out dark moist areas to hide. Your sink drains are an ideal hiding place; however, the roaches don’t get into your sink drains from the sewer, they get there through the opening into the sink drain.

To help control roaches, have the interior and exterior of your residence treated with an insecticide on a regular basis. In many situations it may be necessary to treat these areas on a monthly basis. If roach activity continues, consider switching chemicals.

The District controls roaches in the main sewer line with an insecticide paint as well as boron powder. The boron powder is environmentally friendly. Should you see roach activity surrounding a sewer manhole, notify the District.

Backup

If you are experiencing a sewer backup, you may contact the Fountain Hills Sanitary District. If it is after hours, there are recorded instructions as to how to proceed for a sewer emergency. Backups as a result of clogged service lines are the responsibility of the property owner and you will need to contact a plumber. The District will inspect the main sewer line for blockages.