Frequently Asked Questions about Utility Installation

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The following will answer some of the questions that may arise during the installation/construction phase and after completion.

How long will construction last?

How can I find out where they will be working and what they are doing?

What can I do about construction equipment on my property?

If I notice work trucks speeding in my neighborhood, who can I contact?

What should I do if the contractor does not reset my mailbox or fence – or replace them if damaged?

Who is responsible if my property is damaged outside the easement limits agreed to with PWC?

If my car is damaged while I’m trying to travel through a street under construction, what can I do?

If rain washes out an area where utilities have been installed and a pothole occurs, who do I call?

What should I do if my septic tank or drain field is damaged by a contractor?

Will the construction cause interruption of my utility service?

What time of day do crews work?

When the construction crews are no longer on my street, are they finished?

What are Sewer Mains and Service Laterals?

What is the Service Line?

Why is the cost to install these services so expensive?

If I do not connect to PWC utility service, do I still have to pay the assessment?

If I am already connected to PWC sewer, do I have to paythe assessment?

What happens if I’m paying my assessment in monthly installments and I sell my home before the full amount is paid.

Is there assistance for low-income residents?

My property requires a grinder pump, which will cost me additional money. Will I still have to pay an assessment?

Am I required to do anything about my existing septic tank?

Q: How long will construction last?
A: Once a contractor has begun work in your area, utility installation may take up to 12 months depending on the size of the project. Work will proceed as quickly as possible, but may be delayed by weather conditions and other uncontrollable factors.

Q: How can I find out where they will be working and what they are doing?
A: PWC’s website will have updates on your project area including the schedule of work by streets in your area.

Q: What can I do about construction equipment on my property?
A: Unless the contractor has made prior arrangements with you, no equipment or construction materials should be placed outside the road right-of-way or easement area. Residents can ask contractor to have equipment moved. However, if equipment is left on your property, please do not remove it (you could become liable for loss or damage). Document the situation and contact PWC at 483-1382. Our Construction Management Team will work closely with the contractor to resolve the situation in a timely manner.

Q: If I notice work trucks speeding in my neighborhood, who can I contact?
A: Call PWC at 483-1382 and provide a location and description of the vehicle.

Q: What should I do if the contractor does not reset my mailbox or fence – or replace them if damaged?
A: Call PWC at 483-1382. If damage has occurred, be sure to document it.

Q: Who is responsible if my property is damaged outside the easement limits agreed to with PWC?
A: The general contractor is responsible for controlling the work done (by contractor and sub-contractor crews) and is liable for repairing any damage done, whether by accident or otherwise. Document the damage and call PWC at 483-1382.

Q: If my car is damaged while I’m trying to travel through a street under construction, what can I do?
A: Please remember that driving slowly through construction areas will greatly reduce the risk of damage to your vehicle. Contractors are required to have insurance for such occurrences; however, this generally requires verification of neglect on the part of the contractor. If damage occurs, contact PWC at 483-1382.

Q: If rain washes out an area where utilities have been installed and a pothole occurs, who do I call?
A: If this occurs in an area where sewer installation has taken place, contact PWC at 483-1382 and it will be repaired. Please remember that potholes on other city
streets should be reported to 433-1FAY.

Q: What should I do if my septic tank or drain field is damaged by a contractor?
A: Contact PWC at 483-1382, and our Construction Management Team will work with the contractor to ensure that the situation is resolved.

Q: Will the construction cause interruption of my utility service?
A: Because sewer mains are installed below other utility lines such as water, gas or electric lines, there is the possibility of disturbing the existing lines and causing outages. We’ll do everything possible to avoid this and help resolve in a timely manner should it happen.

Q: What time of day do crews work?
A: Regular work hours are 7 am - 5 pm Monday through Friday unless the contractor requests an exception.

Q: When the construction crews are no longer on my street, are they finished?
A: There are three phases to construction: (1) street cutting and sewer installation, (2) street repair, and (3) restoration. Crews will work systematically throughout the project area installing utilities. Once the lines are in the ground, they will make the streets passable and move to the next street. Once a utility installation is complete in the area, street repairs will be made. After the streets, restoration to lawns, driveways and other repairs will be made.

Q: What are Sewer Mains and Service Laterals?
A: Sewer Mains are the primary lines that “collect” wastewater and carry it to PWC treatment plants. The major portion of the Main is 8 inches in diameter. They are installed at least 3 feet below the ground, under street rights-of-way or easements within the service area. The Service Lateral is a line 4 inches in diameter that connects the collection Main to a “cleanout” located at the edge of the street right-of-way or easement. The planning and installation of Sewer Mains and Service Laterals represent the major costs incurred by PWC to extend sanitary sewer service to new customers.

Q: What is the Service Line?
A: The Service Line continues from the Service Lateral to plumbing in the home. It is the line that carries wastewater from your home to PWC’s sewer system. The homeowner is responsible for having the Service Line installed.

Q: Why is the cost to install these services so expensive?
A: Retrofitting utility services costs considerably more than installing services in new development because installation has to be made with the existing conditions such as streets, other utilities and homes.

Q: If I do not connect to PWC utility service, do I still have to pay the assessment?
A: Yes. Assessments help recover some of the significant costs involved in making quality utility services available to customers. Therefore, all residents in areas where PWC utility lines have been installed are responsible for the assessment, whether or not they connect to the service. The assessment amount becomes a lien on your property until it is paid in full.

Q: If I am already connected to PWC sewer, do I have to pay the assessment?
A: In some cases, there may be residents located within sewer installation project areas that are already PWC sewer customers. If you are already a PWC sewer customer,(pay PWC monthly for sewer usage), you will not pay an assessment.

Q: What happens if I’m paying my assessment in monthly installments and I sell my home before the full amount is paid.
A: The unpaid portion is considered a lien on property and must be paid before your home is sold.

Q: Is there assistance for low-income residents?
A: Depending on your income level, assistance may be available through the City’s Community Development Office. For assessment or plumbers’ fee assistance, call 433-1598 for more information.

Q: My property requires a grinder pump, which will cost me additional money. Will I still have to pay an assessment?
A: Due to the location and elevation of some properties, a grinder pump may be required. PWC will discuss this situation with you. If a property requires a grinder pump, you will not pay an assessment, but will be required to pay a lateral and main charge, and possibly an FIF charge.

Q: Am I required to do anything about my existing septic tank?
A: Currently, there are no plumbing code requirements. However, you should contact the Cumberland County Health Department Environmental Section at 433-3660 about closure or abandoned septic tank requirements.

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