Tacoma sewer systems are similar to those in many other parts of the country. In short, your home has a series of pipes that carry waste from your plumbing fixtures to a sewer line. That sewer line then connects to the city main, which takes it to a sewage treatment facility.
As a homeowner, you need to understand how this system works so you can maintain it. You’re also responsible for any repairs that arise on your property.
These systems are vital pieces of infrastructure. Here’s everything you need to know about the sewers in Tacoma, Washington.
Residential Connections to Municipal Sewer Lines
Most homes in Tacoma connect to the municipal sewer system, which carries wastewater away for treatment. This connection typically involves a lateral, or side, sewer line that runs from your home’s plumbing system to the main sewer line beneath the street. The lateral line is the homeowner’s responsibility, while the city manages the main line.
You’ll need to closely monitor your residential sewer line because even a small issue could cause significant damage. Common signs of problems in residential connections include slow drains, gurgling noises, foul odors, or sewage backups.
These issues often point to clogs, root intrusion, or pipe damage in the lateral line and should be addressed quickly to prevent costly repairs.
Wastewater Treatment in Tacoma, Washington
Once sewage leaves your home through the sewer line, it enters the city main and travels through a network of underground pipes to a wastewater treatment plant. These facilities help treat the used water before it’s safely returned to the environment. Tacoma has two of these facilities: the Central Tacoma Wastewater Treatment Plant and the North End Wastewater Treatment Plant.
The Central Wastewater Treatment Plant serves about 20,000 households in Tacoma, Fife, Firecrest, and other nearby communities. It can process up to 130 million gallons of wastewater daily, treating it with high-purity oxygen and good bacteria before it enters the Commencement Bay.
The North End Wastewater Plant uses beneficial bacteria and chemicals to treat wastewater before sending it into Puget Sound. It’s an incredibly efficient facility that doesn’t use large holding tanks, allowing it to keep its relatively small footprint.
Treating wastewater protects the environment, wildlife, and public health, reducing the spread of disease and keeping water sources clean and safe for future use. It’s a necessary part of any modern sewer system.
Cost of City Sewer Services in Tacoma
The City of Tacoma uses a specific formula to determine the cost of residential sewer services. For a single-family residence, a monthly fixed charge of $35.75 acts as a starting point. From there, the city adds a flow charge of $6.27 for every hundred cubic feet of water the home uses.
Officials use the amount of fresh water a household consumes to determine the flow charge. The calculation is based on the property’s most recent wintertime four-month billing cycle, which is when water usage is typically at its lowest.
So, if the household uses seven cubic feet of fresh water per month throughout the winter, its monthly wastewater rate for the following year would be $79.64 per month.
Who Is Responsible for the Maintenance and Repair of Sewer Lines to Your Home
In most cases, the homeowner is responsible for the section of sewer line that runs from the house to the property line. Beyond that point, from the property line to the main sewer line in the street, responsibility usually falls to the city.
If a problem occurs on your side of the line, you’ll likely be responsible for repairs and costs. That’s why knowing where your sewer line runs and how to access it if needed is important.
However, you’ll likely want to contact a professional Tacoma plumber to handle the job.
Drain and Sewer Repair Services in Tacoma
Drain and sewer repair services help keep your home’s plumbing system running. These services typically include inspections, cleaning, unclogging, and repairing broken or collapsed pipes.
Professionals use specialized tools such as video inspection cameras to locate blockages or damage and hydrojetting equipment to clear stubborn clogs with high-pressure water streams.
To find a reputable sewer repair service, look for companies with licensed technicians and positive reviews. Hiring experienced professionals protects your home and health, minimizing the problems you’ll experience.
What are Your Options For Sewer Repair in Tacoma, Washington
When fixing damaged sewer lines, homeowners have several options. The traditional method, called dig-and-replace, involves excavating part of the yard to remove and replace the broken pipe. It’s an effective method but can be time-consuming and disruptive to your landscaping and driveway.
Modern trenchless repair options are far less invasive. For instance, pipe lining involves inserting a flexible, resin-coated tube inside the old pipe, which hardens to form a new inner lining.
Pipe bursting, on the other hand, breaks the old pipe while pulling a new one into place.
These methods are often quicker and less damaging to your property, though they may not work in every situation.
A professional Tacoma plumber, such as Hunt’s Services, will check on the condition of your sewer line and determine the best solution. Factors like pipe material, extent of damage, location, and budget contribute to choosing the right repair method.
You won’t want to take any risks when you have an issue with your sewer system. Call a professional to take care of the job the right way.