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Frequently Asked Questions

Can you send a garbage truck to our house? Our trash wasn’t picked up.: The Cuyahoga County Sanitary Engineering Division does not provide trash-hauling services. Please contact your municipality or private hauler for this information.
What causes sewage to back up into my basement?: There are several causes for backups. Some backups result from owner’s house lateral being blocked by debris, such as grease, paper, roots, rags, or foodstuffs. Other backups may occur when the sanitary mainline sewers are blocked or surcharged. If you live within our service area please call us first so that we determine the cause.
What is a sanitary sewer?: A sanitary sewer is a pipe used to convey wastewater from the fixtures within your home or business to a wastewater treatment plant. Fixtures include toilets, showers, bathtubs and sinks. Sanitary sewers may be made of various materials including reinforced concrete, vitrified clay, and various plastics.
What is a storm sewer?: A storm sewer is a pipe used to convey rainwater to a receiving stream, river, lake, etc. Storm sewers serve a similar purpose as drainage ditches.
I have an odor in my house … what is it?: In many cases dry water traps on your fixtures may allow odors to enter your home from the sanitary sewer. Be sure to run water in your sinks periodically. Odors may also originate from broken house laterals or sanitary sewer mains.
When will the Sanitary Engineering Division replace my lawn/driveway/sidewalk?: We attempt to repair or replace lawns, driveways and sidewalks as soon as practical. Before the final repair/replacement is made we allow for the excavated site to settle as much as possible.

Sanitary Engineer
6100 West Canal Road
Valley View, Ohio 44125
(216) 443-8201