Frequently Asked Questions FAQ's

Q: I want my water line replaced, does the city do this?

A: The homeowner is responsible for the maintenance and replacement of their water service to the city's shut off. This connection is called the curb valve and is normally found in the tree lawn area of each building. It is recognizable by a black round metal disc with the word water across the top. The city will make repairs to the service on the "street side of this connection".

Q: I want to make repairs in my home and I need the water shut off at the street, how do I contact someone for this?

A: This falls under the duties of the meter department.  Call the Utility office at City Hall (330-335-2700) and tell them that you "need the water off at the curb". They will take your information and set up a time for a technician to do this for you.

Q: Is there a charge for turning my water off and then on at the curb?

A: If scheduled during the week and during normal working hours (7:00-4:00) there is no charge. There is a charge if needed after working hours or on weekends. 

Q: I have a leak at my meter in my house, how do I repair it?

A: Call the City Utility Office at City Hall (330-335-2700) and they will schedule a technician to come out and repair the meter. There is no charge unless negligence is determined i.e. continued freezing of the meter because it was not protected from freezing conditions, or if repair is needed after normal working hours, then there would be a service call charge. 

Q: There is water coming out of the street or out of the ground who should I call?

A: During the day call the Water Distribution Department(330-335-2830), City Hall(330-335-1521), or the Water Treatment Plant(330-334-1581) and, after working hours call the Water Treatment Plant or the Police Dept. they will contact us and we will investigate. Watermain breaks can cause serious damage to roadways, please do not assume that someone has already called. We make repairs to these main breaks as soon as possible.

Q: There was water coming up in my front yard and it was investigated by the water department. They told me it was on my line. What do I do?

A: The technician whom investigated it will make all attempts to notify you as soon as they know whose responsibility it is to repair. You will be given a reasonable amount of time to make the repairs. If you fail to make such repairs in the amount of time given, your water will be shut off until you make such repairs.

Q: I smell what I think is sewer odor in the house what should I do?

A: If it is ONLY SEWER SMELL it is usually caused by faulty plumbing. Your sewer pipes should have "traps" at each sink, tub, toilet, floor drain, etc. if for some reason the "traps" are not working properly this could be a cause of sewer gas to enter an immediate area. If smell is noticed in a particular area, normally the basement, check out your floor drains. During the year occasionally pour about a quart of water in each trap to insure that they are working properly. Dried out traps will allow sewer gas to enter your home. Another problem could be that your "sewer stack or vent" is plugged. The stack vents sewer gas out of your building, The sewer stacks are identified as black pipes that extend out of the roof or your residence. Occasionally they can become plugged by leaves, squirrel nests or contractors who have done work on your roof. If these are plugged they may prevent gases from venting thus entering your building.

Q: I have water backing up in my basement, what should I do?

A: This is the # 1 question this department receives. The answer to this question is to call us, but there are things that you can do to help this from happening, and to help us diagnose where the water is coming from. 1.Check all down spouts, and if installed, sump pump discharge lines. Insure that storm water is being directed away from the foundation of the building. It is common during storms that water will not be directed away from the building and will follow the basement wall to the bottom then come out on the floor. 2.Periodically use drain cleaner to keep your sewer lines clean and running. 3.If you are experiencing water coming into the basement call our department. If it is after hours call the Water Treatment Plant. The Plant Operator will then call one of our technicians. We have personnel on 24-hour standby for Emergency Repair. Personnel on standby will come out to inspect for problems in the City's Sanitary Main System. This person will make a determination if it is the City's problem or the customers. If there is any doubt of the City's Sewer Main being plugged we will bring our sewer cleaning equipment to the site and resolve the problem. If it is determined that the problem lies within the customers line, no further action will be taken and the technician will inform you that you need to contact a plumber. There is no charge for any of these services.

 Q: I've been told that the sewer is plugged on my line what exactly does my line consist of?

A: In the City of Wadsworth the city is responsible for the sewer main. The Customer is responsible for the portion of the sewer that connects to the sewer main and goes into the customers building. This is known as the customers' sewer lateral.

 Q: The sewer main is located in the center of the road am I responsible for my line that is in the road?

A: Yes, in fact in some areas the sewer main maybe across the street from your building in the tree lawn.

Q: If I call the City about a sewer problem will I be charged for this call if it is after hours?

A: NO, the City will always come out free of charge to inspect a sewer problem, regardless of the time of day. Even if it turns out to be your problem!