Drain Cleaning in Hershey, PA: Sewer Clogs, Storm Backups & Costs
In Hershey, the sewer line from your house to the authority’s lateral near the curb is yours to keep clear, and many homes date to the 1950s and 1960s. Call for a local drain pro who confirms the price before any work starts.
- Fast local help: call now
- Price confirmed before work starts
- Free call, no obligation
- Local Dauphin County drain pros
Drain backing up?
- Stop running water and flushing toilets.
- Keep kids and pets away from any sewage.
- Call (888) 703-1520 and describe what you see.
Who do I call for a clogged sewer line in Hershey, PA?
A plunger or hand snake handles one slow sink. If sewage comes up a basement floor drain, several fixtures slow down together, or the same clog keeps returning, the problem is usually your building sewer, the line from your house to the Derry Township Municipal Authority’s lateral near the curb. Call (888) 703-1520 for a local drain pro who confirms the price before starting.
Which part of the sewer line do Hershey homeowners own?
Derry Township’s sewer code splits the line in two:
- The lateral: the part of the system from the public sewer to a point three feet beyond the curbline.
- The building sewer: the extension from your home’s drainage system to that lateral. That’s yours.
- Fix it in 60 days: if the Township sends written notice of an unsatisfactory building sewer and it isn’t fixed within 60 days, the Township can make the repair and collect the cost.
- No septic tie-ins: no privy, cesspool, septic tank or similar receptacle may be connected to a sewer.
Not sure where your line ends? A sewer camera shows the whole run from your cleanout to the street.
What makes Hershey drain problems different?
Mid-century homes
The median Hershey home dates to 1970, and about a third were built in the 1950s and 1960s. Lines from that era are often clay or cast iron, and roots from mature yard trees find their joints.
Swatara Creek storms
In September 2011, Tropical Storm Lee pushed Swatara Creek to about 26 feet and shut down sewer flow at DTMA’s Clearwater Road plant for about four days. Heavy rain still pushes extra water into the sewers.
Lots of renters
About 46% of Hershey homes are rented, from apartments to split houses. In shared buildings, one unit’s grease or wipes can back up the line for everyone.
Is my Hershey home’s problem one drain or the main line?
| Sign | Likely cause | Urgency |
|---|---|---|
| Sewage coming up the basement floor drain | Building sewer blocked | 🔴 Call now |
| Backups that start during heavy rain | Partly blocked line plus storm flow | 🔴 Today |
| Toilet gurgles when the tub drains | Main line partly blocked | 🟠 This week |
| Same clog every few months | Roots in clay or cast-iron joints | 🟠 This week |
| One slow kitchen sink | Grease in the branch line | 🟢 Can wait |
Not sure? Call (888) 703-1520 and describe what you see.
Plumber or drain cleaner in Hershey?
Many people search for a plumber in Hershey when what they need is a clog cleared. Here’s the difference:
- Drain cleaning: clogged sinks, toilets, tubs, floor drains and sewer lines, cleared with a cable machine or a hydro jetter.
- General plumbing: leaks, new fixtures, water heaters and water lines.
For a clog or backup, call (888) 703-1520.
How much does drain cleaning cost in Hershey?
It depends on which line is clogged, how the pro reaches it, what caused it and when you call. A bathroom sink is a short job; a root-filled building sewer from the 1960s takes more time and often a camera. The local pro confirms the price before any work starts, so there are no surprises.
Drain services Hershey homeowners call about
Hershey Drain Cleaning FAQ
Who handles the sewer in Hershey?
Hershey is part of Derry Township, and its public sewer is run by the Derry Township Municipal Authority (DTMA), whose Clearwater Road treatment plant is in Hershey. Some parts of the township are served by DTMA’s smaller Southwest plant.
Which part of the sewer line does a Hershey homeowner own?
The Derry Township code defines the lateral as the part of the system from the sewer to a point three feet beyond the curbline. The building sewer, from your house to that lateral, is yours. If the Township gives written notice of a problem with your building sewer and it isn’t fixed in 60 days, the Township can fix it and bill you.
Do I need a plumber or a drain cleaner for a clog in Hershey?
For a clogged sink, toilet, tub or sewer line, a drain cleaning pro is the right call. For a leak, a new fixture or a water heater, you want a general plumber. Call (888) 703-1520 for drain and sewer clogs.
Why did Hershey basements flood in 2011?
Tropical Storm Lee dropped 16 to 18 inches of rain in September 2011. Swatara Creek crested around 26 feet, well above the forecast, and DTMA’s Clearwater Road plant lost power and sewer flow for about four days. Recovery cost the authority an estimated $12 to $13 million.
How much does drain cleaning cost in Hershey?
It depends on the line, the access point, the cause and the time of day. A sink clog costs less than a root-filled main line or a jetting visit. The local pro confirms the price before any work starts.
Do you cover Palmyra and Hummelstown too?
Yes. Drain pros cover Hershey and nearby towns, including Palmyra just to the east and Hummelstown to the west. Call to confirm your address.
Also serving near Hershey
Local pros also take calls from Hummelstown, Middletown and the Derry Township neighborhoods around Hershey. See drain cleaning across Dauphin County. Just east, see drain cleaning in Palmyra and Lebanon County.
Sewage coming up in a Hershey basement? Do this now
- Stop every source of water: toilets, sinks, laundry and dishwasher.
- Keep kids and pets out, and wear gloves if you must touch anything.
- Stay away from water near outlets, appliances or the furnace.
- If neighbors are backing up too, call the Derry Township Municipal Authority.
- Call (888) 703-1520 to get your line cleared.
✓ Free call · ✓ Price before work · ✓ Fast local help
Last updated November 2026. Facts on this page are sourced below.
Sources
Drain Cleaning Prime is a free referral service that connects homeowners with independent local drain and sewer contractors. We don’t perform the work ourselves. Contractors are independent businesses, so confirm licensing, insurance and the price with your technician before any work begins.