Frequently asked questions about sewer service 1. What is a sanitary sewer collection system? Sanitary sewer collection systems are the collection of sewer main lines, pumps and pump stations, manholes, sewer laterals, and other infrastructure designed to handle and safely transport used water, body wastes and toilet paper as sewerage to our facility for treatment. The treatment plant is located on Linde Road in North Buffalo Township.
2. What’s the difference between a storm sewer and a sanitary sewer? The storm sewer drainage system consists of the natural and manmade channels and underground pipes that transport rainwater from the streets, yards and other areas. This water goes directly into our creeks, streams and rivers. Water entering the drainage system does not get treated. The sanitary sewer collection system collects wastewater from connected homes, businesses and other structures and flows directly to the wastewater treatment plant. The two systems are not connected.
3. What’s that white pipe sticking up in my yard? It is an Inspection Stack, and/or Sewer Cleanout. It is an access point to your sewer lateral that can be used for inspection, removal of blockage, or line flushing. An inspection stack is required as part of your home’s sanitary sewer installation and must be accessible at all times. Some sewer laterals may also have additional cleanouts installed, especially if the service line is longer or has turns in the pipe. Cleanouts are required to be extended to the finished ground surface and must have a threaded plug and approved cast iron frame and cover (a Monument Box) installed over it to protect the line. The Authority office can be contacted for more information regarding your sewer installation.
4. Are you affiliated with the water company? No. In some areas, water and sewer service are provided by one organization but that is not the case in our service area. Your water service provider will vary according to where your home, business or other structure is located.
5. Then why does my water service get shut off for non-payment of sewer bills? Because sewer lines cannot be “shut off”. The PA Water Services Act of 2006 allows for a municipality or municipal authority to request that a water provider shut off the water supply to a premises until all overdue charges are paid.
6. What is a “billing period”? What are your rates? The WHAWPCA bills its customers monthly for the previous month’s service. Residential customers pay a flat rate; some non-residential customers pay a bill based on their water consumption. Click the “Rates” tab on our home page for more details.
7. Can I pay my sewer bill over the phone? Unfortunatley, we cannot accept credit card payments over the phone or at our office. Credit card payments can be made through our online bill payment system (see “Paying Your Bill” tab on our home page for the link). If you would like to have your sewer payment automatically deducted from your checking or savings account each month, sign up for our Auto Debit service. Payments can also be made in person at the NexTier Bank location on Butler Road, at our office, or by US mail. Our address is 257 Linde Road, Kittanning, PA 16201.
8. If my sewer line is clogged or needs repair, whose responsibility is that? The service lateral that runs from the house to the sewer main is the homeowner’s responsibility; manholes and main sewers are the Authority’s responsibility. If you have a sewer problem and are unsure, contact the Authority at 724-545-9126 and we will investigate.
9. There is a “sewer” odor in my basement, why is that? Typically, basement drains are seldom used and the water in the drain’s trap may have evaporated, which allows sewer gas to enter the building. Pouring 2-3 cups of water into any seldom-used drains should take care of the odor problem.
10. I'm filling up my swimming pool; will that make my sewer bill go up? No. Residential sewer users pay a flat rate, no matter how much water is used during that month; however, your water bill will likely be higher than normal, if you use public water.
11. Should I contact your office if I notice a loose or missing manhole cover? Absolutely! Our phone number is 724-545-9126. You can leave a message if you are calling after hours - please leave your name, contact number and the location of the manhole you are calling about. We appreciate your taking the time to inform us. 12. I’m selling my home and my agent tells me I need a “dye test”. What is that? A “dye test” is an inspection process used to verify that downspouts, driveway drains and other stormwater collection devices are NOT connected to the sanitary sewer system. It can also be used to determine that plumbed fixtures such as a sink or washing machine ARE connected to the sanitary sewer as required. For the past several years, Authority personnel have been performing dye tests of properties in our service area, in an effort to eliminate unwanted stormwater from the sanitary sewer system. These are brief inspections of the outside facilities only. The “dye test” your agent is speaking of is an inspection which is required by your municipality prior to property transfer. It is more comprehensive and will include an inspection of inside/basement facilities, as well as outside inspection and a video inspection of the sewer lateral. For more information on these inspections, please click the “Sewer Inspections” tab on our home page.
2. What’s the difference between a storm sewer and a sanitary sewer? The storm sewer drainage system consists of the natural and manmade channels and underground pipes that transport rainwater from the streets, yards and other areas. This water goes directly into our creeks, streams and rivers. Water entering the drainage system does not get treated. The sanitary sewer collection system collects wastewater from connected homes, businesses and other structures and flows directly to the wastewater treatment plant. The two systems are not connected.
3. What’s that white pipe sticking up in my yard? It is an Inspection Stack, and/or Sewer Cleanout. It is an access point to your sewer lateral that can be used for inspection, removal of blockage, or line flushing. An inspection stack is required as part of your home’s sanitary sewer installation and must be accessible at all times. Some sewer laterals may also have additional cleanouts installed, especially if the service line is longer or has turns in the pipe. Cleanouts are required to be extended to the finished ground surface and must have a threaded plug and approved cast iron frame and cover (a Monument Box) installed over it to protect the line. The Authority office can be contacted for more information regarding your sewer installation.
4. Are you affiliated with the water company? No. In some areas, water and sewer service are provided by one organization but that is not the case in our service area. Your water service provider will vary according to where your home, business or other structure is located.
5. Then why does my water service get shut off for non-payment of sewer bills? Because sewer lines cannot be “shut off”. The PA Water Services Act of 2006 allows for a municipality or municipal authority to request that a water provider shut off the water supply to a premises until all overdue charges are paid.
6. What is a “billing period”? What are your rates? The WHAWPCA bills its customers monthly for the previous month’s service. Residential customers pay a flat rate; some non-residential customers pay a bill based on their water consumption. Click the “Rates” tab on our home page for more details.
7. Can I pay my sewer bill over the phone? Unfortunatley, we cannot accept credit card payments over the phone or at our office. Credit card payments can be made through our online bill payment system (see “Paying Your Bill” tab on our home page for the link). If you would like to have your sewer payment automatically deducted from your checking or savings account each month, sign up for our Auto Debit service. Payments can also be made in person at the NexTier Bank location on Butler Road, at our office, or by US mail. Our address is 257 Linde Road, Kittanning, PA 16201.
8. If my sewer line is clogged or needs repair, whose responsibility is that? The service lateral that runs from the house to the sewer main is the homeowner’s responsibility; manholes and main sewers are the Authority’s responsibility. If you have a sewer problem and are unsure, contact the Authority at 724-545-9126 and we will investigate.
9. There is a “sewer” odor in my basement, why is that? Typically, basement drains are seldom used and the water in the drain’s trap may have evaporated, which allows sewer gas to enter the building. Pouring 2-3 cups of water into any seldom-used drains should take care of the odor problem.
10. I'm filling up my swimming pool; will that make my sewer bill go up? No. Residential sewer users pay a flat rate, no matter how much water is used during that month; however, your water bill will likely be higher than normal, if you use public water.
11. Should I contact your office if I notice a loose or missing manhole cover? Absolutely! Our phone number is 724-545-9126. You can leave a message if you are calling after hours - please leave your name, contact number and the location of the manhole you are calling about. We appreciate your taking the time to inform us. 12. I’m selling my home and my agent tells me I need a “dye test”. What is that? A “dye test” is an inspection process used to verify that downspouts, driveway drains and other stormwater collection devices are NOT connected to the sanitary sewer system. It can also be used to determine that plumbed fixtures such as a sink or washing machine ARE connected to the sanitary sewer as required. For the past several years, Authority personnel have been performing dye tests of properties in our service area, in an effort to eliminate unwanted stormwater from the sanitary sewer system. These are brief inspections of the outside facilities only. The “dye test” your agent is speaking of is an inspection which is required by your municipality prior to property transfer. It is more comprehensive and will include an inspection of inside/basement facilities, as well as outside inspection and a video inspection of the sewer lateral. For more information on these inspections, please click the “Sewer Inspections” tab on our home page.