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Borough Services >> Middletown Sewer Inspection Program
Beginning with Middletown's incorporation in 1829, it has been necessary to institute rules and regulations to ensure the proper function and government of the Borough. As we have grown, so has the Code of the Borough of Middletown Pennsylvania, the official document containing all ordinances for government in the Borough.
In an effort to enhance living conditions for Borough residents and also in response to state and federal regulations such as the Clean Streams Law of Pennsylvania, a portion of the Code has been dedicated to the Borough's sewer system. The sewer system is an integral part of our infrastructure that must be maintained and enhanced as houses or businesses are sold and/or added to the system.
The importance of maintaining the sewer system is great. Residents in many neighborhoods may have noticed sewer water entering their basements during heavy rainstorms. This was especially true during the September 2004 flood. Sewer overloads occur when excessive rain or groundwater enters the system through cracks in old pipes, misaligned pipe joints, or through illegal connections such as sump pumps, downspouts, or floor drains connected to the sanitary sewer system. These overloads can cause sewage backup into homes and basements.
In September 1999, the PA Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) directed Middletown to develop and implement a plan to remove the sewer overflow outfalls in the Borough's wastewater collection system. In the past, when there was a heavy rain or when the ground was soaked with water, pipes drained this excess rainwater (and sanitary sewage) directly into Swatara Creek; DEP regulations specify that the Borough is no longer permitted to seek this remedy to the problem.
As a result of these regulations, the Borough has undertaken an ambitious project to upgrade and repair problems with the sewer infrastructure throughout much of the community, and as a result our pipes are much less leaky. However, as the pipes are being upgraded, basement connections have become a problem. The trouble stems from downspouts, sump pumps, area drains, floor drains or other improper basement connections to the sewer system which allows excess water to enter homes rather than flowing to the creek and river.
In 1966, the Borough first passed a law (Middletown Code §226-20) forbidding the connection of sump pumps, roof downspouts, foundation drains, areaway drains or other sources of surface runoff or groundwater to the sanitary sewer system. If your house is older than 1966, you may still have such a connection, and sewage and water might back up into your home. If you are having a problem with sewer water entering your basement, it is important that you close off these improper connections before the next storm. In addition, since broken sewer laterals can allow groundwater to seep into the sewer system, Borough Code requires repair of any broken or misaligned pipes that connect your house to the sewer main in the street.
Recent amendments to the Code have required that each property be served by a single sewer line. Since many of our older, attached homes do not meet this standard, separation of service is being addressed as properties are sold or as problems arise with the current sewer lines. For example, if your home shares a sewer line with your neighbor and a problem arises that requires major repair to the line, both you and your neighbor will be required to have a dedicated line to each property. The same is true if the adjoining property is sold.
To this end, effective December 1, 2006, every house and building in Middletown Borough will require a sewer inspection before it is sold or transferred. The goal of the program is to provide property owners with advice on how to remove rainwater and groundwater from the sanitary sewer system. Sewers are for wastewater, not rainwater. Simple fixes such as redirecting sump pumps or downspouts will save our residents money by reducing treatment costs. These free inspections will be performed by the Code Enforcement Office of the Borough and are only required for properties connected to the Middletown Wastewater Treatment Plant. You may call 948-3000 and request the Codes Office for more information or to schedule an inspection.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- Is there a cost for the inspection?
No, inspections are provided free of charge by the Borough's Code Enforcement Office.
- Do I have to be present during inspection? Can't I let the door unlocked for you to enter without me?
Yes-a homeowner or authorized representative must be present during the inspection.
- I don't have a problem with my sewer line, why do you have to do a video inspection?
An inspection is required to assure that your property is not sharing a lateral with your neighbor. The video will also show us if there are broken or leaking pipes that allow groundwater to enter the system, a condition which is not permitted by Borough Ordinance.
- Do I have to have inspection before settlement?
Yes, a sewer inspection must be done prior to settlement. Since all buildings within the Borough must be served by a separate sewer line, the inspection will confirm that your property meets Borough Code.
- How soon can I get the results of the inspection?
It varies based on the complexity of the results of the inspection. Normally results are available in 3-5 business days.
- If there is a problem, how long do I have to fix it?
A Corrective Action Plan must be filed and a corresponding Plumbing Work Permit must be obtained from the Code Enforcement Office within 90 days. It is suggested that a property owner meet with the Code Enforcement Officer as soon as possible since he will be able to determine a reasonable length of time to complete the work detailed in the Corrective Action Plan. Please keep in mind that no work may be undertaken without a permit from the Borough.
- If there is a problem with my lateral, do you know how much it costs to fix it?
Costs for repair will vary. Depending on the results of the inspection, it may be necessary for you to consult an engineer, architect, or other professional prior to submitting your Corrective Action Plan which will impact the final price.
- What will you be looking for during the inspection?
We will be checking to make sure sump pumps, roof downspouts, and foundation drains are not directly connected to the sanitary sewer system. We will check to see if valves are in place that can be closed off before storms. In addition, we will be making sure the lateral serves only one property and that the flow to the street is not impeded in any fashion. The video camera will look for illegal connections, broken pipes, and damaged joints that allow groundwater or rainwater to enter the sanitary sewer system.
- What happens if I don't have a sewer clean out and therefore the video inspection of the sewer lateral can't be performed?
If you do not have a sewer clean-out you will be required to install one.
- How long will it take to complete the inspection?
Inspection times will vary depending on the length of the lateral and any problems encountered. Normally, inspections take approximately two (2) hours.
Required Curb and Sidewalk Inspection: Upon the sale or transfer of real property |
