Sewer Rehabilitation Project FAQ

It is well known that WSSC Water’s sewer pipe infrastructure is aging. In response to this fact, WSSC Water is in the process of inspecting its entire infrastructure. These inspections have indicated numerous manholes sewer pipes, and building service laterals that are in need of repair. The rehabilitation of these sewer system assets will extend the useful life of the infrastructure and eliminate problems with the component of your service for which WSSC Water is responsible, from the cleanout located at the property boundary to the sewer main. 

General hours of operation are from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.  

Lining operations are normally completed between the hours of 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Additional time is required to allow for curing time and service lateral reinstatement.

Night work may occur due to county or state permitting requirements.

A 24-inch diameter pit is required at the property line for the installation of a sewer clean out that will be provided free of charge. Other excavations, normally a 5-foot by 5-foot pit or larger, may be required depending on site conditions.

Depending on the exact location of the service lateral cleanout, normally located at the edge of your property boundary, some above ground structures and plantings may be impacted.  

Every effort will be made to landscape impacted areas. [Note: Trees will be replaced with saplings in accordance with local requirements.]

Steel plates will be used to cover excavation points for short periods of time.

All excavation sites will be backfilled or covered with a steel plate at the end of each working day. 

WSSC Water Contractors and Inspectors will work with homeowners on a case by case basis to coordinate access and parking during working hours.

It is the goal of WSSC Water to limit, as much as possible, inconveniences to our customers. However, there may be short periods of interruption to your service while rehabilitation work is being completed.

Please contact the Contract Manager listed for the proposed project, he/she will be happy to work with you to schedule the work so that it does not impact your scheduled event.

Prior to the start of work you will be given written notice as to when work will begin and contact information for Contract Manager responsible for this project. You may talk with the Contractor or WSSC Water Inspector on the job site, or you may contact the Contract Manager listed for the project.

To improve service to both buildings/houses, the existing service will be split into two separate services. The existing service will be excavated and a cleanout will be installed at the property line for each address. Additional piping will be installed connecting each house/building to the sewer separately.

Permanent road restoration projects normally take three to six months to complete. During this time temporary repairs (cold patch) will be laid. 

Repairs will be in strict accordance with the roadway permit issued by Local, County, or State permitting officers.

No, these projects are maintenance-related, and are routine budgetary expenses.

No, most if not all work is completed from your property line to the sewer main located in the street. If you are at home, you may find it interesting to observe the work from a safe distance. WSSC Water’s on-site inspector will be happy to answer questions you may have about the operation.

A letter will be sent to each of the impacted homeowners before the start of each contract. A second letter in addition to a door hanger will be delivered to each homeowner 48 hours prior to the start of construction activities.