Frequently Asked Questions

What do I do if my sewer is backing up?

If your sewer is backing up, call us before you call a plumber. We will determine where the problem is, and advise you what needs to be done. And we will do all this for free. When it comes to your sewer problems, we are the Authority! Call (215) 659-1462. To learn more about the Authority's lateral maintenance and blockage policy, click here.

Is there anything I can do to try and prevent blockages in my lateral?

Most lateral problems are caused by tree roots entering the lateral through joints or fats, oils and greases (FOG) being poured down the drain, which solidify in the lateral when cooled. Flushable wipes (that do not readily degrade in the sewer) can get caught up in minor root or FOG issues, resulting in major blockages. To learn more about how to maintain your lateral, click here.

Should I purchase sewer backup insurance?

If you have a lower level fixture (e.g., toilet in your basement), it is strongly recommended that you purchase a sewer backup rider on your homeowner's insurance policy.

I heard that flushable wipes are not suppose to be flushed down the toilet. Is this true?

These wipes are marketed as flushable, but they do not generally degrade, resulting in blockages for homeowners and the Authority, along with expensive repairs and maintenance to our system. These wipes should be tossed in the trash and not flushed down the toilet. See the link below for a local news story about problems caused by these wipes. Flushable wipes story, click here.

How do I dispose of Hazardous Wastes?

HAZARDOUS MATERIALS - Oil, paint, pesticides, gasoline or any other hazardous material MUST NOT be discharged into the sewer system. Contact the Montgomery County Hazardous Waste hotline at (610) 278-3618 for disposal instructions.

Can I empty my sump pump into the sewer system?

It is illegal to discharge a sump pump into a sanitary sewer system. Sump pumps jeopardize our sewer system by increasing flows. During some rainfalls, the flow through our system exceeds its capacity and, although each individual sump pump seems small, the flow of several hundred pumps can cause an overload to the system. If your sump pump is discharging into our system either directly or through a laundry tub, contact a plumber and have the discharge flow corrected.

How can I conserve water around my home?

In the Bathroom:

Take a five-minute shower instead of a bath. Estimated savings: 15 gallon per shower
Don’t use toilets as a wastebasket, flush only when needed. Estimated savings: 12 gallons per day
When brushing teeth use a glass of water instead of running the tap. Estimated savings: 3 gallons per brushing
When taking a bath, don’t run the water without closing the drain first. The warm water that comes after running the tap for a while will heat up the first cold burst of water.

In the Kitchen:

When washing dishes by hand, fill up the sink with soap and water instead of running the water continuously. Estimated savings: 25 gallons per washing
Keep a pitcher of water in the refrigerator for when you want a drink instead of running the tap until the water cools. Estimated savings: 2 gallons per drink
Thaw foods in the refrigerator rather than under running tap water. Estimated savings: 5 gallons per meal
Start a compost pile as an alternative to using a kitchen sink garbage disposal.

Outside Your Home:

Water your lawn during the early morning hours when there are low temperatures and low winds.
Position sprinklers to water only the lawn, not the sidewalk or street.
Don’t waste water hosing down your driveway or walks. Estimated savings: 25 gallons for each five minutes not using hose
Drive your car on your lawn when washing to save on watering the lawn, or use a commercial car wash that recycles water.
Don’t over water your lawn during the summer, as a general rule it only needs to be watered every 5-7 days during this time of year.

What plant improvements are anticipated?

UMHJSA has recently installed:

An emergency generator that operates when electrical service is interrupted;
An upgraded ultraviolet light disinfection units to handle greater flow rates and eliminate chlorine use at the plant;
An effluent pump station that allows us to discharge up to 42 MGD of treated wastewater into the Pennypack Creek during flooding conditions;
Upgraded LED lighting and new blower systems to improve operations, provide energy efficiency, and reduce energy costs; and
New screen to remove rags and some grit from the influent to the plant to reduce wear and tear of the equipment.

We anticipate that the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP) will require UMHJSA to meet more restrictive nutrient (e.g., nitrogen and phosphorous) standards in the near future. Nutrient removal will require significant capital (over $15,000,000) and increase the operating costs by over 25 percent. UMHJSA will keep our ratepayers informed of any proposed upgrades to the plant.

What do I do if I am behind on my sewer bill?

UMHJSA requires payment within 30 days of receipt of your sewer bill. However, we realize that situations do occur that may temporarily result in payment not being possible. Although UMHJSA does have legal recourse to non-payment of bills (e.g., turning off the water to the property), we would prefer if you contact our office to develop a payment plan.

I have heard that I should not put food down the garbage disposal. Is this true?

Garbage disposal are common in residential properties. However, they can result in problems at the wastewater treatment plant, which is why they have been banned in some communities. The most environmental friendly means to treat suitable food waste is through composting.

Does the Authority have any guidance for connections to the collection system?

The Standard Operating Procedures for basic connection in the collection system can be accessed by clicking here.

Why do I pay sewerage bills for water I put into my pool?

Pool water contains chlorine and must be 1) discharged to UMHJSA for treatment or 2) discharge on to the ground surface if it has been dechlorinated. It is illegal to allow untreated pool water to enter a storm water collection drain.

Does the Authority have any standard specifications that developers must use?

The Standard Specification for Developers was revised in March 2016 and can be accessed by clicking here.

How much does UMHJSA charge for a connection/tapping fee?

UMHJSA currently charges $6,000 per equivalent dwelling unit (EDU). Credit is provided for demolition of existing structures on the property prior to development.

What do I do if I want to disconnect my lateral from the collection system?

In the event of demolition of an existing building or a desire to eliminate sewer service, the lateral will need to be disconnected and capped off in the presence of an UMHJSA representative. Otherwise the property owner will continue to receive a sewer bill (minimum billing). The owner is responsible for obtaining any required municipal permits and UMHJSA must be notified 24 hours in advance so a representative can be on site to inspect the disconnection and capping of the existing lateral.