Q. What is Inflow and Infiltration (I/I)?
A. Sanitary sewers in Mt. Orab are designed to convey only wastewater. However, many of these "separated" sewers also convey groundwater
and stormwater that enter through leaky pipes, improper storm drain connections, and other means. Excess water that flows into sanitary sewer
pipes from groundwater and storm water is called inflow and infiltration, or I/I.
Inflow is storm water that rapidly flows into sewers via prohibited connections such as roof drain downspouts, foundation drains,
sump pumps, and storm drain cross-connections, as well as through holes in manhole covers and larger defects in the sanitary sewer system.
Infiltration is groundwater that seeps more slowly into sewer pipes through holes, cracks, joint failures, and faulty connections.
Q. What Can I Do to Help Eliminate Sources of I/I and Avoid Blockages?
A. Here are some things you can do to help reduce inflow and infiltration in the sewer system, all of which helps to reduce the risk of basement
backups and overflows, the need to build larger pipes and pumps, the cost to convey and treat clear water mixed with wastewater, which in turn
helps us to keep rates affordable for our customers.
1. Inspect your roof gutters and downspouts to see if they are connected to the sewer system. If so, have them disconnected. Downspouts may
be directed onto lawns or garden beds. They should be extended at least five feet from the foundation of the home.
2. If your home has a sump pump, make sure it is not connected to the sanitary sewer system. If it is, it must be disconnected. Like downspouts,
sump pump discharges can be directed onto lawns or flower beds, and should be at least five feet from the foundation of the building. Discharges
from sump pumps can also be tied into separate storm sewers if there are any in the area.
3. Keep your building sewer in good connection. Broken building sewers from the home to the edge of the public right-of-way or the start of the
public sewer easement are the responsibility of the property owner. Keep the line clean and do not plant bushes or trees on top of it. Make
appropriate repairs and replace if necessary.
4. Install a cleanout in case you or your plumber need quick access to clear a blockage or stop a back-up. Always keep a cap on the cleanout to
keep out storm water and debris.
5. Prevent grease buildups by not pouring grease and fat down the drain. As it cools, grease and fat solidifies and can create a blockage. Instead,
pour grease and fats into a solid container and place it in the garbage.
6. House building sewers often can become deteriorated or clogged with tree roots, which can result in a blockage that causes a back-up of
sewage into your basement. It is important for homeowners to have their lateral inspected from time to time for roots.
7. Do you have a house built before 1972? If so, you may have active foundation drains that are connected to the sanitary sewer. Such
connections are prohibited and must be eliminated. If your home was built and served by central sewers prior to 1972, financial assistance may be
available to you to help with the disconnection. Call the Village Office at (937) 444-4141 to learn more about this program.
