Since water seeks the path of least resistance, check the toilets and tubs on the lowest level of your home. Are they the ones backing up?

a. If not, the problem is most likely an internal plumbing issue.

b. If they are, call TOFA immediately. We will check the main sewer line. If there is a blockage, we will swiftly remedy the problem. If the main is flowing normally, then the problem is located somewhere in the home’s plumbing or the lateral connecting the plumbing to the main sewer line and is the customer’s responsibility. In this instance call a recommended plumber or pipe cleaning company quickly.

c. More information regarding Sewage Backups and Blockages.

First, gather information that can help solve the problem.

a. After 5 minutes of running the cold water, does the quality issue go away? Is the issue visible after letting the water settle in a white, non-stained plastic cup or mug?

b. Is the quality issue present at multiple faucets?

c. Do you have a filter or treatment system inside your home? Does it need maintenance?

d. When was the last time you drained your hot water heater? Iron and rust build-up in the water can be carried into the home’s plumbing if not periodically flushed.

Call TOFA. There might be an emergency repair or routine flushing going on in your vicinity. If not, we’ll investigate the situation promptly.

Your water meter needs to be read prior to the sale of your property in order to properly calculate your final water and/or sewer bills. Call TOFA to schedule a visit.

A sump pump inspection is required for all sewer customers prior to the sale’s closing. Call TOFA to schedule a visit.

Make sure that the discharge from your sump pump flows to a natural drainage area outside of your house. the collective flow from illegal sump pumps increases the metered flow that TOFA pays to dispose of and thus increases the rates that you pay.

By rule, sump pump discharge is banned from entering the sanitary sewer system.

Flushing diapers, feminine products, tissues, rags and the like increases both the preventative and emergency maintenance required on system equipment. This additional cost, like all of our costs, is considered when calculating sewer rates!

Additionally, flushing these items that should be discarded in the trash, wastes water and unnecessarily increases your water and sewer bills.

Unauthorized use of water hydrants amounts to stealing our water!

If you see non-TOFA employees using a hydrant, please call 215-946-6062. Make sure that you have the name of the company (if possible), the license plate number(s) of the vehicles and the hydrant’s location. We will then check to see if they are properly registered to use the hydrant.

Be careful to avoid the underground sewer and water lines when you plant that tree. Tree roots can find, crack and clog these lines leaving you with an expensive repair bill.

Call 8-1-1 before you dig! Calling the PA one-call system will ensure that all of your utilities are properly marked before you or your contractors put a shovel in the ground.

By rule, any issue related to the sewer lateral is the customer’s responsibility.

It becomes very expensive to engage in debt collection practices. From the printing of reminder and shut-off notices to the legal fees associated with latter stage collection methods, these costs DO lead to higher rates for everybody.

Remember, payments can be mailed, made in person at the office, dropped inside one of the two secure drop boxes at our office location or placed on a credit card over the phone.