Wastewater Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q. What does the Wastewater Division do?
A.The Wastewater Division 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 Milwaukie a problem free sewer system.

Q. How are sewer lines maintained?
A. Video/DVD recording equipment is used in the lines to observe potential problems such as root growth, grease buildup, or failing pipe. Flushing and high pressure cleaning equipment is used to remove grease and roots from lines.

Q. Who maintains the lateral from my home or business?
A. 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.

Q. What is this manhole for in my back yard?
A. The manhole is used for access to the system for maintenance.

Q. What should I do if I see liquid flowing out of a manhole?
A. Stay away from the liquid and call the Wastewater Division immediately at (503) 786-7600, after hours, weekends, and Holidays: 503-786-7500.

Q. Is it okay to dump grease down my house drains?
A. 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.

Q. Where is the wastewater treated?
A. The majority of Wastewater collected in the City of Milwaukie flows to the Kellogg Treatment Plant plant, which are operated by Clackamas County Sewer District #1 (CCSD#1) The plant is located near Jefferson Boat ramp on McLoughlin in Milwaukie.

Q. Is it okay to flush plastic items down the toilet?
A. 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.

Q. Is it okay to dump car oil down the sanitary drain system in my house?
A. 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.

Q. Is there anything to keep in mind when I landscape my yard?
A. 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.