Public Utilities

Capacity Management Operations and Maintenance Program

The City of Gahanna is classified as a satellite community because it does not treat its own wastewater. The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has ordered all satellite communities operating a wastewater collection system to implement a capacity management operations and maintenance (CMOM) program to manage collection system assets and ensure compliance of best management practices developed by the industry. Therefore, the City of Gahanna is required to implement its own CMOM program. It is important for residents who are not tied to the City's sanitary system to properly maintain their home sewer treatment system (HSTS).

Download: Homeowner's Guide to Septic Systems (PDF)

Deduct Meters (Sewer Adjustment Meters (SAMS))

A deduct meter/sewer adjustment meter (SAM) is a water meter that is attached to the property owner's water line that registers outdoor water use (ie: irrigation system). After a SAM has been installed and inspected, there will be no sanitary charges for any water that passes through the meter since water for outdoor use does not enter the City's sanitary system. A SAM can be purchased through the Department of Public Service, Utility Billing Division. The property owner has the meter installed by a vendor of their choice and then inspected by the City. During inspection, the City will install the AMI transmitter. If the water from a SAM is being applied to an irrigation system, a backflow prevention device must also be installed. This also requires a plumbing permit. For more information call the Department of Public Service, Utility Billing Division at 614-342-4440, Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5 pm.

Download: Deduct/SAM Installation Standards and Guidelines (PDF)

Freezing Pipes Inside the Home

Frigid temperatures can lead to frozen water pipes and costly plumbing repairs. Depending on the diameter of the pipe it can take only a matter of hours to freeze. This can then cause the pipes to burst. Take the following precautions to protect your pipes:

• Insulate water lines in unheated areas of your home (ie: garage, attic, basement, crawl space, etc)
• If pipes are vulnerable to freezing (such as those located on an exterior wall), let the faucet drip to keep the water moving through the pipes. The cost of the extra water is low compared with the cost to repair a broken pipe
• Keep cabinets or vanities open to expose pipes to warmer room temperatures
• Detach outdoor hoses from faucets (this allows connecting pipes to drain)
• Know where the master shutoff valve is located (typically where the water line comes into the home from the street)

During an extended and extreme cold period, pipes may freeze despite taking the precautions listed above. Using a low setting on a hairdryer is the safest way to thaw a frozen pipe. Wave the warm air back and forth along the pipe rather than concentrating on a single area. If a hairdryer is not available, wrapping the pipe with towels and pouring hot water over them is another option. Never use a torch with an open flame to thaw a frozen pipe. This could cause a fire or overheat a section of the pipe and cause it to leak or burst.

If your pipes burst due to freezing temperatures (or you have an unknown water leak inside your house), follow the steps below:

1. Shut off the water line into your house at the master shutoff valve. This is typically located before your water meter (where the water line comes into the home from the street). This will stop the water from flowing out of the leak.
2. If the water is still flowing from the leak after turning the shutoff valve, call the Water Division at 614-342-4440. The City will send out a utility crew to shut off your water from the curb box/street tap.
3. Call a plumber to inspect the leak and perform repairs. A list of plumbers can be found in your local phone book. The City's utility crew are not licensed plumbers and cannot perform private water line repairs.

Low Water Pressure

Low water pressure could be caused by a variety of reasons. It could be a water leak or a bad meter. Before calling a plumber, call the Department of Public Service and Engineering, Utility Billing Division at 614-342-4440, Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5 pm. After 5 pm and on weekends and holidays, call 614-342-4240. The Utility Billing Division will dispatch a utility crew to investigate the situation and assess the issue.

Sewer Odor or Slow Flushing Toilets

The City is responsible for maintaining the sanitary mains. The property owner is responsible for maintaining the sanitary lateral, which runs from main to the building. If you smell a sewer odor or suspect a sewer backup, call the Department of Public Service and Engineering, Utility Billing Division at 614-342-4440, Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5 pm. After 5 pm and on weekends and holidays, call 614-342-4240. The Utility Billing Division will dispatch a utility crew to investigate the situation and assess the issue. If the obstruction is located within the sanitary main, the utility crew will clear it. If the obstruction is located within the sanitary lateral, it is the property owner's responsibility to have their lateral line cleared.

Water Leaks

The City is responsible for maintaining the water mains located in the right-of-way.  In addition, the City maintains the water line that connects the water main to the the curb box (shut-off), located in the front of each property, often near the sidewalk. 

The property owner is responsible for maintaining the water service (lateral), which runs from the curb box into the building. If you suspect a water break, call the Department of Public Service, Utility Billing Division at 614-342-4440, Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5 pm. After 5 pm and on weekends and holidays, call 614-342-4240. The Utility Billing Division will dispatch a utility crew to investigate the situation and assess the issue. They will determine who is responsible for the repairs.