FAQs • Gahanna, OH • CivicEngage

What do I do if I smell a sewer odor or suspect a sewer backup (i.e. have 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.

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Utilities: Sanitary Sewer

1. What do I do if I smell a sewer odor or suspect a sewer backup (i.e. have 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.

2. What is a deduct meter/sewer adjusting meter (SAM)?: 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 and Engineering, 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. Review Gahanna's SAM installation standards and a detailed guide on how to install a SAM (PDF). For more information call the Department of Public Service and Engineering, Utility Billing Division at 614-342-4440, Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5 pm.