Maryland PHCC Summer 2019

POTENTIAL CROSS BORES:
Always use caution
before clearing
sewer lines.
!
A blocked sewer line may be the accidental result of utility, municipal or
private lines (gas, electric or telecommunications) being cross bored
through the sewer line. Sewer mains or sewer laterals may not be marked
in response to a Miss Utility excavation notification.
Follow these safety precautions
before clearing a sewer line blockage:
811
CALL 811 AND REQUEST AN EMERGENCY MISS UTILITY TICKET TO HAVE
THE UNDERGROUND UTILITY LINES FOR THE PROPERTY MARKED.
INQUIRE WITH THE PROPERTY OWNER, OCCUPANT OR BUILDING
MAINTENANCE TO DETERMINE
• The location of the sewer facilities such as clean outs, and
• If there has been any recent excavation to install utility lines.
Note: in some cases the cross bore may have occurred years earlier
with symptoms only recently coming to light.
• If markings for existing underground utility lines cross the path of
the sewer line, it may be a cross bore that is causing the blockage.
IF YOU SUSPECT OR ARE INVESTIGATING WHETHER
THE BLOCKAGE IS CAUSED BY A CROSS BORE
• Use a pipeline camera to identify the location of the blockage
within the sewer line before trying to clear any blockages.
• Do not attempt to clear the blockage with a mechanical device.
Contact the utility operator that may be involved.
• Hand dig in the area where the blockage or the cross bore may exist.
IF YOU SUSPECT A GAS LEAK OR HIT A GAS LINE
• Leave the premises immediately and go to a safe place where you
can call BGE at 1.800.685.0123 or 911 for emergency response.
• Extinguish all open flames. Do not use matches or lighters
and do not attempt to light an appliance.
• Do not use any phones or other battery operated equipment,
as they can cause sparks and ignite natural gas.
• Do not start or turn off vehicles or motorized equipment.
Abandon any motorized equipment you may be operating.
• Do not attempt to find the source of the leak or to repair a leak.