Sewer Service Questions
Maintenance of all building sewers and privately owned sewers starting from the back of the sidewalk or the curb line, depending on the right-of-way width, to where your lateral connects into your home or building, is the responsibility of the property owner. This includes all cleanouts and fresh air vents as well as a grinder pump that may be connected to your lateral.
The SA (Sewer Authority) will not clean your sewer lateral. Your initial call should be to a plumber or sewer and drain cleaning service. They will determine what is causing the backup and where it is in your sewer lateral. You should also contact the SA at 717-266-1493 to keep us informed of the situation.
If your backup occurs during the evening or over the weekend, please contact the SA the next regular working day as soon as possible.
One of the common problems is tree roots growing into the lateral. Obviously, one way to eliminate this problem is to remove the trees near your lateral. Other ways are to purchase chemicals at home supply stores to help dissolve root infiltration.
Replacing your aging lateral with new pipe would also help eliminate this problem. If you decide to replace your lateral, please contact the SA and obtain an inspection permit for $150.00, which covers the two required inspections. The inspection/connection form may be downloaded under the “Forms” button. Please remember any work done to your sewer lateral must be completed by a plumber licensed to do work in Pennsylvania.
NO, below grade floor drains are an illegal connection to the sewer system. If you have a floor drain, you should completely seal it off. An open floor drain is a liability in case of flooded or clogged main lines and the SA will not be liable for any damages occurring from a below grade (basement) floor drain. You may want to check your homeowner’s policy to see if sewer backups into your home are included in your coverage.
Absolutely not! Both of these connections are illegal according to the SA’s Rules and Regulations and with the Department of Environmental Protection, as well. These types of illegal connections cause an unnecessary burden upon the wastewater treatment plant, treating excess water that does not need to be treated. This excess water also increases operating costs at the plant and pumping stations.
Probably not. Rainwater runoff should flow into the storm sewer system. Please contact your municipality if this problem is occurring.
No, these pipes should be cut off at ground level, capped with a threaded removable cap and visible so a mower blade does not break the cap. Any cap that is cracked, broken or missing is another source of unwanted groundwater and must be replaced. You may call the Authority office if assistance is needed. The SA has a limited supply of caps available for purchase. We only accept cash or checks for these purchases.
No, this right-of-way is only for use by Authority personnel for access to Authority sewer lines.
Billing Questions
In 1960, Manchester and Mt Wolf Borough formed the Manchester-Mt Wolf Sewer Authority, and built a small plant at the existing location on Chestnut Street. In 1986, East Manchester Township joined the Authority, and the Northeastern York County Sewer Authority was formed. In 1986, the plant had to be expanded and upgraded to meet current needs and projected growth. When East Manchester Township joined the Authority, one of the conditions was that they would pay additional monies in higher rates and tap-in fees to pay their portion of the plant and sewer lines which they were now going to use. The quarterly rates would be equalized when that commitment was met. Several years ago, the Authority recognized this milestone was being reached and decided to gradually change the rates to meet the earlier contractual agreement between the municipalities. At the same time the Authority also recognized that the existing Intermunicipal Agreement written back in 1986 did not meet the Authority’s needs because of changes in State and Federal Laws.
In June of 2011, Manchester Borough, Mt. Wolf Borough and East Manchester Township agreed to gradually equalize quarterly sewer rates over the next ten years until all current residential customers pay the same quarterly flat rate. During the 10 year period from 2011 to 2021, rates had been adjusted annually. All residential customers are now billed at equal quarterly rates regardless of what municipality they are located in. Any future rate adjustments will effect all customers equally.
You are billed four times a year, or quarterly, on the following dates: March 1, June 1, September 1 and December 1. The March 1 bill is for service during April, May and June; the June 1 bill is for July, August and September; the September 1 bill is for October, November and December and the December 1 bill is for January, February and March.
You have thirty (30) days from the date the bill is mailed (see question #2) before penalties are added. (Refer to the reverse side of your blue billing card for additional information).
Please visit the Pay Your Bill link at the top for more information
If you are having financial difficulties, please contact our office to discuss payment options before falling too far behind.
A 10% penalty is imposed on current quarterly charges which are not paid on or before the due date.
Delinquent customers may have a lien placed against their property, as well as be subject to water shut off and additional charges.
Be sure to update your mailing address to ensure receipt of your quarterly bills and to avoid late penalties.
For more information, please review the Rules & Regulations or contact our office.
No, residential rates are flat rates and are billed on a flat per unit basis. Commercial and industrial and institutional customers, however, are billed the flat rate charge and, in addition, a surcharge if they use over 15,000 gallons per quarter.
Yes, every dwelling unit is charged their regular flat rate, whether or not occupied. Sewer service cannot be turned off; it is always available to the property.
No, all sewer bills must be mailed to the property owner.
Please take your sewer bill to settlement. At settlement, the bill will be pro-rated between the seller and the buyer. If there is a balance on your account, the entity handling the settlement will make payment to the Sewer Authority after your settlement is completed. Your sewer bill must be paid in full prior to or at settlement.