Clayton County Water Authority provides sewer in Forest Park, but the drains and building sewer on each property are the owner's. With nearly four in five homes built before 1980, old pipe is a big part of why lines here clog. Call the number on this page to be connected with a local plumber in Forest Park.
Forest Park conditions
Forest Park is an older inner-ring suburb just south of I-285 that grew up around a railroad stop, and its housing shows it. Census survey data put the median home at 1965, with about 78% built before 1980, one of the oldest housing stocks in the metro. Drains in homes of that age are usually cast iron inside and clay or cast iron under the yard. Cast iron rusts and scales, narrowing the pipe and catching grease and paper. Clay comes in short sections joined every few feet, and roots find those joints.
Water and sewer come from the Clayton County Water Authority (CCWA), which serves the whole county. For a sewer backup in CCWA's system, such as a manhole overflowing, call 770-960-5200; it's also the authority's after-hours line. A backup that's only coming up inside your house is almost always in your own line.
Choosing a method
| Method | Fits when | Caution |
|---|---|---|
| Cable with root cutter | Clay line packed with roots | Roots regrow; may need repeat cutting |
| Water jetting | Heavy grease or scale in cast iron | Fragile pipe should be inspected first |
| Camera inspection | Repeat clogs or unknown pipe condition | Shows the cause; doesn't clear it |
| Section repair | Cracked, offset or collapsed pipe | Needs a city permit |
Symptoms to watch for
- Water backs into the tub when a toilet is flushed
- Toilets gurgle or drain slowly
- Rust-colored flakes in a sink or tub after the water recedes
- A soggy, smelly patch over the sewer line in the yard
- Drains slow down every summer
Timing notes
Roots grow fastest in warm months, so older clay lines often act up from late spring through summer. A slow drain can wait for a weekday visit; sewage in the house shouldn't. If repairs are needed, Forest Park requires a city permit for plumbing installation, applied for electronically through the city's portal, with inspections requested by email. When you call, you'll be connected with an independent plumber who works in Forest Park. Mention the age of the house and any past clogs, since that helps the plumber decide whether to bring a camera along with the cable.
Drain Cleaning questions in Forest Park
Why do drains in older homes clog more often?
If every drain backs up at once, should I call the utility or a plumber first?
Should I have the line inspected with a camera after it's cleared?
Can tree roots get into a sewer line?
More plumbing services in Forest Park
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