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WHAT HOMEOWNERS NEED TO KNOW
Testing Home Connections
In the ALCOSAN service area, as much as 50-60 percent of inflow
and infiltration comes from leaking house laterals and illegally
connected roof and foundation drains. Like the sewer collection
system piping which would span 4,000 miles if laid end-to-end, house
laterals in the 83 ALCOSAN neighborhoods represent the same distance.
Because improper connections represent such a large part of the
sewage overflow problem, many communities with sanitary sewer systems
have begun or may be required to begin testing home connections.
Common examples of improper connections include downspouts, groundwater
sump pumps, foundation drains and driveway drains. These connections
allow stormwater to enter the sanitary sewer line and contribute
to the sewage overflows that occur when the system is overloaded.
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Proper Connection |
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Improper Connection |
The most common method for testing home connections is the dye
test. A brightly colored dye is inserted into a downspout, sump
pump or drain. The dye is flushed through with clear water and if
the dye is seen flowing through the sanitary sewer line, the connection
is deemed improper and must be corrected. Many communities are actively
testing all of the homes in their geographic boundaries, while other
municipalities have created an ordinance that dye testing must be
completed at the time of a real estate sale.
Next: The Homeowner's Role
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