About – HICO Utility Company

About Our Sewer Systems

Gravity Sanitary Sewer Systems

Gravity Sanitary Sewer is a system that utilizes the fall of the land and gravity to push sewage from a service address to the treatment plant. If a service address utilizes gravity line flow there are no pumps or pressurized components at the address.

Current Gravity Sewer Systems

Clearview – Gravity Sanitary Sewer
Fowler Creek – Gravity Sanitary Sewer
Townsend Place – Gravity Sanitary Sewer
Townsend Farms – Gravity Sanitary Sewer
Townsend Farms II – Gravity Sanitary Sewer
Townsend Commercial – Gravity Sanitary Sewer

Low Pressure Sanitary Sewer System

Typical Application - Residential Pump System

How do I know if I have a grinder pump?

If your subdivision is listed as a low pressure system, then you own a grinder pump adjacent to your house. A control panel will be mounted on the house along with a grinder pump wet well within a few feet of your home. Your grinder pump system is what pumps wastewater (or sewage) from your home to the wastewater treatment system that serves your property. It made the building of your home and plumbing possible.

How do I maintain my grinder pump?

A household grinder pump is designed and built to transport normal household wastewater to your local wastewater treatment collection system. However, there are some ‘Do’s and Don’ts’ associated with properly maintaining your grinder pump.

Maintenance and Operation of Low Pressure Sanitary System

Do

Remove tank lid and wash any debris or accumulated grease down into the tank on a quarter-annual basis with a garden hose. Continue water from your water hose until the pump has washed all of the debris down and replace the lid.
If the red light on your control panel is on, please call the number listed on the website so that a plumber can be dispatched. You have the right to use your own plumber to maintain your grinder pump. However, when a pump is replaced, it must meet the manufacturer requirements of HICO collection system.
If you experience a sewage backup in your home, and the red light is not on, there may be a blockage in the pipes of your home, or the red light is blown. If this is the case, please check the grinder pump tank for a liquid surcharging out of the top of the unit. Liquid discharging from the top of the unit would indicate that the pump is not functioning and the light is blown. If liquid is not surcharging out of the unit, most likely there is a blockage on the interior of your house.
Prior to extended periods of disuse, run the faucet for 10 minutes, to force the pump into action, and thereby clearing all existing solids from the tank. This will help to minimize any smells coming from your pump.
Leave power to the grinder pump on at all times.

Don’t

When leaving for vacations, please leave the power to the grinder pump on.
Please do not flush or drain the following items, as they may clog or damage your pump.
Wipes
Feminine Hygiene products
Diapers
Cat litter or aquarium stones
Chemicals that could corrode the pipes
Combustible liquids
Birth Control products
Plastic toys or utensils
Cloths or Rags
Metal
Glass

What if my home experiences a power outage?

Home grinder pumps operate off of electricity. During a power outage, your unit will not operate. Your grinder pump basin contains 180 gallons of capacity. Therefore, you may use water but only sparingly. As soon as power is restored, the pump will continue to function properly and pump out all the excess water in the tank.

Current Low Pressure Sewer Systems

Twin Rivers – Low Pressure Sanitary Sewer

Report a Problem - Red Indicator Light is On, Backup or Other Problem

HICO Utility Company
PO Box 156
Meridianville, AL 35759

Monday – Friday 8am – 4pm

[email protected]

(256) 693-1706

About Our Sewer Systems