At the risk of sounding plumb crazy, the Hillsborough Utilities Department has a message for water and sewer customers: Contact the town for water or sewer issues before calling a plumber.

Contacting the Utilities Department first could save customers money on repairs because the town generally will fix any physical defect or operational problem that is on its side of the water and sewer lines.  

“We want to save you money," Utilities Director Marie Strandwitz said. “If you have a water or sewer issue, let the town check its water or sewer system first. If the town eliminates the possibility that its portion of the system is causing the issue, then customers should call a plumber.”

The Utilities Department can be reached at any time day or night by calling the Water Treatment Plant at 919-732-3621. For less urgent issues, the Utilities contact form can be used.  

Responsibilities

Property owner’s responsibility — Customers are responsible for water and sewer line issues inside the house and between the house and public right of way or easement. A water meter and sewer cleanout pipe typically indicate the ownership line. They are placed on the line between the property's edge and the public right of way or easement. The town can require customers to install a cleanout if one is not present. The capped cleanout pipe allows access to the sewer line for maintenance and inspections.

Town's responsibility — The town is responsible for water and sewer mains. These main lines of the town’s utilities system are typically under roadways. The town also maintains water and sewer service connections in public rights of way or easements.   

For more information on responsibilities, see sections 14-21 and 14-22 of the Hillsborough Code of Ordinances. 

Avoid Sewer Problems

Did you know that wipes and other personal hygiene and cleaning products are the leading cause of clogged pipes? Flush only waste and toilet paper.

Household cleaning and personal products labeled as flushable or safe for sewer or septic systems do not dissolve. Always place these items in the trash: 

• Tampons and pads
• Facial tissues
• Personal wipes
• Medicine

If your house is professionally cleaned, ask the cleaning company to put these in the trash:

• Floor cleaning pads, such as wet or dry mopping cloths
• Disinfecting wipes
• Paper towels 

The listed items and other trash clog sewer lines and can damage sewer pumps and other equipment. For more information, contact the utilities infrastructure protection supervisor.