Frequently Asked Questions

View the Sewer Service Charges (PDF) for a detailed breakdown of sewer rates.

When public sewer becomes available to property, a connection to the sewer is required. The property owner is responsible for making application and acquiring proper permits to connect to public sewer. The property owner is also responsible for the cost and installation of the private sewer service line. (The portion of line between the house and the public sewer is the private sewer service line.) 

Inspection, installation, and connection fees may be applicable at the time of permit issuance.

Customers must provide the property address and the property owner’s name when requesting a sewer connection permit.

If sewer service is available at the property, the applicable permit fees will be calculated, and a permit may then be issued for the connection.

For more information, contact the Wastewater Department.

Wastewater personnel will locate and mark public sewer mains only.

Private service lines (the portion of sewer line between the structure and the public sewer main) will not be located or marked by Wastewater personnel. Information on the location of private service lines is not on file at our office. You may want to contact a plumber for assistance in locating the private service lines on your property.

 Please contact the Wastewater Department with details of the work being done or the affected area.

Contact the Wastewater Department to obtain a sewer repair permit. The repair or installation of a new line is the responsibility of the property owner and must be installed according to code requirements. An inspection is required prior to covering the new or repaired line. Owners hiring plumbers to correct such problems must insure the proper permits have been obtained prior to beginning any line repairs or replacements.

Call the Wastewater Department at 931-560-1001. At the menu prompt, select the option for Sewer Emergencies.

Wastewater maintenance personnel are available 24 hours a day to respond to sewer-related emergencies.

When you call, your message will be forwarded to a voicemail system. Please leave the following information:

• Your name

• Service address

• Phone number

• A brief description of the problem

The phone system will automatically notify the on-call maintenance employee, who will receive your recorded message and respond as quickly as possible.

City crews will inspect the public sewer main at no charge to the resident. If a problem is found with the main line, maintenance personnel will make the necessary repairs.

If the public sewer main is functioning properly and the issue persists, the problem may be within the private service line. In that case, the property owner may need to contact a licensed plumber at their own expense.

FOG stands for fats, oils, and grease. These substances create a huge problem for your sewer pipes. 

Visit the FOG Program page to learn more.