Sewer FAQs

• What is a Sanitary Sewer System?
  A typical sanitary sewer system is a network of underground pipes designed to carry wastewater - from toilets, sinks, showers, and other household or industrial sources - to a treatment facility.
  
  Unlike combined sewer systems, it excludes stormwater runoff, which is handled by separate storm drains.
  
  A property owner's sewer pipe is called a sewer lateral and connects to a larger authority-maintained pipe called a sewer main.
  
  Sewer laterals are the responsibility of the property owner and must be maintained by the property owner for the entire distance from the house to the sewer main.
  
  
• How and Where Can I Pay My Bill?
  The Upper Hanover Authority accepts CASH, CHECKS, and MONEY ORDERS in the office located at 1704 Pillsbury Road, East Greenville PA 18041. If you are unable to make the payment during business hours, a dropbox is located outside the door that is checked ONE time every morning. We can receive payments by mail, or by credit card on-line only.
  
  
• What Should I Do If My Grinder Pump Alarm Goes Off?
  If your grinder pump alarm is going off, call The Upper Hanover Authority @ 215-679-3129. After normal business hours, call the on-call operator number stated in the voicemail. PLEASE NOTE: THIS IS FOR GRINDER PUMP MAINTENANCE PROGRAM CUSTOMERS ONLY.
  
  
• What is an EDU and how is my sewer bill calculated?
  The Equivalent Dwelling Unit (EDU) represents the average wastewater flow of a single-family home and is used to determine billing.
  
  
• Who is responsible for the sewer lateral from my home to the street?
  Homeowners are responsible for the lateral from the house to the curb/right-of-way, and the Authority maintains the public main.
  
  
• How do I request a sewer certification for settlement?
  Please visit our Sewer Certification page.
  
  
• What should I do before planting trees or digging in my yard?
  Contact PA One Call (811) to avoid damaging sewer laterals.
  
  
• Can I connect my sump pump or roof drains to the sewer system?
  This is strictly prohibited because it causes I&I (Inflow & Infiltration) and can overload treatment plants.
  
  
• What items should never be flushed?
  Only the "Big Three" go down the toilet. Toilet paper, human waste, and nothing else. Everything else - even if labeled "flushable" - causes clogs, grinder pump failures, and blockages in collection systems.
  
  Never flush:
  
  • Wipes (any kind)
  • Paper towels
  • Feminine products
  • Dental floss
  • Q-tips
  • Grease-soaked towels
  • Cat litter