When using water every day for showers, washing dishes or clothes or flushing the toilet, residents don’t usually think much about where the water goes - until it overflows into the yard or street. The Wastewater Division of Public Works thinks about this every day.

A city wastewater technician can determine if a stoppage or overflow is on the city side of the sewer line or on the homeowner’s side of the line. When there is a stoppage or overflow the first thing to do is call Newport News 311 (311 or 757-933-2311 and report it.

If the stoppage or overflow is on the city side of the line, Public Works will clear it. If it is on the homeowner’s side, they will alert you to call a plumber to take care of the problem.

To prevent sewer stoppages from happening in the first place, keep certain things from entering your sewer pipes, such as paper towels, cat litter, feminine hygiene products, cotton swabs, flushable wipes, and all grease or oils. These items can clog pipes costing money and inconvenience. For more information on what not to flush, go to askHRgreen.org.