The Utilities Department cleans the sewer gravity system main pipes every five years using a combination of cleaning with a hydro jetting vacuum truck and using Closed Circuit Television equipment. It also helps remove deposits and debris while giving the City the current condition and assessment of our system. It also prevents sewer spills and enhances liability.

• Things to Expect During the Cleaning:
• Toilets may bubble 
• Loud noises that sound like a train
• Temporarily dried P-traps or toilets drains as seen below

•  A door hanger will be hung 48 hours prior to any routine maintenance cleaning. If the cleaning is done as a result of an emergency there will be no prior notice

Tips before and after your sewer gravity lines have been cleaned

Before Cleaning:

•  Flush your toilet and place the seat and lead in the down position. If you're a seasonal customer or going on vacation, it's a good rule of thumb to put saran wrap over your toilet before putting the seat and the lid in the down position.
• Run water in all sinks, toilets, floor drains or anywhere drains are tied in to your sewer system.
• If possible remove your clean out cap prior cleaning. The location of the clean out cap may vary, as seen below.
• If you know the location and have the ability to remove the clean out cap before cleaning.

After Cleaning:

•  Flush all toilets and run all sinks for 30 seconds. This is to fill your drains and P-traps so no gases or foul odors can come into your house.
• If water sprays out of your toilet or bath tub wipe down hard surfaces with a mild diluted bleach solution.
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If you have any questions please contact Jimmy Bennett at jebennett@venicefl.gov or 941-232-2633.