Q: I am having a sewer problem; will the WWTA send someone out?
A: No, you will need to call a plumber, but the problem with your service line may be caused by an issue that would be addressed by our Private Service Lateral Program, or PSLP. If you have a plumber you normally use, you can check the WWTA website to see if they are participating in our program.
Q: So, can I contract any plumber to evaluate my problem?
A: Yes, but if the problem with your service lateral falls under the PSLP, you will need to use a Master Plumber approved to work in the Hamilton County WWTA PSLP. However, if you choose not to contract a pre-qualified Master Plumber, you will be responsible for paying your plumber.
The plumbers approved to participate in the PSLP will know to contact the WWTA for an inspector to meet them at the site.
The plumber will ask you to sign a Consent Form and they will perform an initial inspection of your sewer service lateral. If the problem with your service line falls under the PSLP, the plumber will then repair or replace if necessary. We will then have our evaluator review and test your service line for our records.
Q: Will I have to negotiate what work my plumber will perform?
A: Not if the problem with your service line falls under the PSLP and you are using a plumber qualified and approved for our program. The Master Plumbers of the PSLP have agreed to the WWTA standard cost.
Q: If the plumber I wish to use is not qualified and approved for the WWTA PSLP, am I able to negotiate what work my plumber will perform?
A: Yes; however, the WWTA will not cover the cost or reimburse you.
Q If I negotiate and pay my plumber, will I still be charged the $8.00 per month PSLP fee?
A: Yes, the initial inspection and/or the repair and replacement of your service lateral are only a part of the PSLP. The WWTA will still need to complete the evaluation audit of your service lateral for our records.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Sewer Laterals
A sewer lateral is a pipe, normally 4" in diameter for residential and larger for commercial buildings, which runs underground from the foundation of a home or business and connects to the public sewer main. This private sewer line transports sewage away from a home or business and deposits it into a larger public sewer main.
Most private laterals were installed when homes were built and the majority of these lines have never been repaired or replaced. Communities with clay pipe laterals having cement joints or cast iron laterals installed decades ago will have more issues compared to newer cities or newer sections of your city, which likely have PVC or ductile iron laterals. However, all laterals, both new and old, can still break, shift, collapse or become choked by roots.
Most private laterals were installed when homes were built and the majority of these lines have never been repaired or replaced. Communities with clay pipe laterals having cement joints or cast iron laterals installed decades ago will have more issues compared to newer cities or newer sections of your city, which likely have PVC or ductile iron laterals. However, all laterals, both new and old, can still break, shift, collapse or become choked by roots.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Questions and Answers
We've had various questions come back to us as homeowners receive their consent letters in the mail.
1) Will the plumber just show up at my house?
No. They will give you 48-hours notice before coming to do any work on your property.
2) Does the consent letter give WWTA permission to come into my home?
No. The consent letter only allows WWTA on your property. Not inside your home. You will have to give them additional consent to enter your home.
3) My water bill doesn't show an $8.00 fee - but there is a $24.00 fee. What's that all about?
Some residents (like Signal Mountain) might be billed quarterly. So instead of a montly $8.00 fee - it's a $24.00 fee every three months.
4) Is the plumber's work guaranteed?
Each plumber will provide a five-year guarantee on any PSLP work.
Do you have a question? Post it here! If I don't know the answer, I'll find it for you!
1) Will the plumber just show up at my house?
No. They will give you 48-hours notice before coming to do any work on your property.
2) Does the consent letter give WWTA permission to come into my home?
No. The consent letter only allows WWTA on your property. Not inside your home. You will have to give them additional consent to enter your home.
3) My water bill doesn't show an $8.00 fee - but there is a $24.00 fee. What's that all about?
Some residents (like Signal Mountain) might be billed quarterly. So instead of a montly $8.00 fee - it's a $24.00 fee every three months.
4) Is the plumber's work guaranteed?
Each plumber will provide a five-year guarantee on any PSLP work.
Do you have a question? Post it here! If I don't know the answer, I'll find it for you!
Monday, May 10, 2010
East Ridge Resident Praises PSLP
This letter to the editor appeared in the Monday edition of the Chattanooga Times Free-Press.
click here to view the letter
click here to view the letter
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Consent Letters
Another round of consent letters have been delivered to a portion of Signal Mountain residents. It's important the letter is returned to the WWTA within 10 days.
A self-addressed stamped envelope is included to make it easier for homeowners to get it mailed back to the WWTA.
This consent letter allows WWTA crews and an assigned Master Plumber access to the property in order to perform the required work. The WWTA requires that all land, shrubbery, fences, driveways and walks be restored to as near its original condition as possible.
Homeowners should also be aware that any inspection on their property might reveal there is NO problem with the service lines and therefore won't require any additional work. Any work that IS required comes with a five-year guarantee from the Master Plumber assigned to the home.
A self-addressed stamped envelope is included to make it easier for homeowners to get it mailed back to the WWTA.
This consent letter allows WWTA crews and an assigned Master Plumber access to the property in order to perform the required work. The WWTA requires that all land, shrubbery, fences, driveways and walks be restored to as near its original condition as possible.
Homeowners should also be aware that any inspection on their property might reveal there is NO problem with the service lines and therefore won't require any additional work. Any work that IS required comes with a five-year guarantee from the Master Plumber assigned to the home.
Monday, May 3, 2010
Where is the PSLP Work Taking Place?
The PSLP work began on Signal Mountain with more than 1300 connections. The project will then move into East Ridge, Lookout Mountain, Red Bank, Soddy Daisy and other member cities. Also included are unincorporated areas of Hamilton County within the WWTA service area. The process of inspecting, testing and repairing will continue until ALL private service laterals have been addressed. The PSLP will affect current and future gravity sewer customers of the WWTA.
The PSLP is one tool the WWTA will use to meet the requirements of TDEC and EPA to prevent overflows that will aid in the eliminate of harmful pathogens in our waterways. The City of Chattanooga is also requiring that its regional customers implement a program that extraneous non-waste water flow to be treated at Moccasin Bend Regional Treatment Plant.
The PSLP is one tool the WWTA will use to meet the requirements of TDEC and EPA to prevent overflows that will aid in the eliminate of harmful pathogens in our waterways. The City of Chattanooga is also requiring that its regional customers implement a program that extraneous non-waste water flow to be treated at Moccasin Bend Regional Treatment Plant.
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