Erie Drain & Sewer Resources: Every Fact on This Site, Traced to Its Source
Official contacts, public data and local reporting behind every number we publish. If we can’t source it, we don’t print it.
City, Township & Borough Sewer Contacts
City of Erie: Sewer Collections
Explains that property owners are responsible for the entire sewer lateral to the City main, how to report a backup (Sewer Collections (814) 870-1350, Mon–Fri 7:00 AM–3:30 PM; after hours, a plumber calls (814) 870-1360, then (814) 870-1340), and that homeowners may be reimbursed if the City confirms a main problem.
Borough of Wesleyville: Sewer Lateral Requirements
Requires a sewer system inspection before any property is listed for sale: a full or partial camera inspection with certification at borough-set fees, repairs within 90 days, and an escrow option.
Fairview Township: Planning Department
Points residents to the Fairview Township Sewer & Water Authorities and to the Erie County Department of Health for septic matters. Planning Department: (814) 474-5942.
Lawrence Park Township: History
Documents GE’s founding of Lawrence Park in 1910: 106 single-family homes, about 500 brick row houses during World War I, and 1,000 street trees.
Water, Weather & Climate
Erie Water Works: Raw Water Analysis
Lake Erie source water averaged 115.7 mg/L total hardness (about 6.8 grains per gallon), 169.4 mg/L total dissolved solids and a pH of 8.08 in 2021: moderately hard.
CIMSS (University of Wisconsin): Erie’s Record Snowfall
Erie recorded 65.1 inches of snow in the December 24–27, 2017 lake-effect storm, including 58 inches in two days.
Housing & Community Data
U.S. Census data on City of Erie housing (via Point2)
39.2% of City of Erie homes built before 1939, 28.4% from 1940 to 1959, median year built 1949; 45.9% of homes renter-occupied.
U.S. Census QuickFacts: Millcreek Township
54,073 residents (2020), 67.9% owner-occupied, median home value above the Erie County median.
Township and borough profiles (Wikipedia)
Population, area and history for Millcreek, Harborcreek, Fairview, Lawrence Park and Wesleyville, each cited on its own area page.
Local Reporting on Sewer Backups & Flooding
Erie News Now: Sewage and stormwater on Indiana Drive
October 24, 2025: heavy rain sent sewage and stormwater into at least ten Millcreek homes.
Erie City Council: South Shore Drive area backup
A resident reported sewage entering his basement in an October 23, 2025 storm despite a backflow preventer; Council asked for an engineering review.
Millcreek storm sewer relining grant
Federal grant funding to reline a failing 36-inch storm sewer near West 28th Street and Contessa Lane.
YourErie: Flooding at West 28th and McKee
Residents reported flooding three to four times a year (2018).
Our Data Commitment
Every number on this site links back to a source on this page. We don’t publish prices because every job is different; the provider who handles your call confirms your actual price before any work starts. When a source changes, we update the page and its “last updated” date.
Questions About Our Sources
Why don’t you list prices?
Because the cost depends on the clog, the access and the time of day, and a published number is rarely what any one job costs. Our pages explain what affects the cost, and the provider confirms your exact price before work starts.
How often is this information updated?
Local rules, contacts and data are rechecked regularly, and each page shows a “last updated” date.
Can I verify the City of Erie sewer rules myself?
Yes. The City of Erie Sewer Collections page linked above explains homeowner responsibility and how to report a backup.
Areas We Cover
Drain help is available across the City of Erie (ZIP codes 16501–16511) and nearby: Millcreek, Harborcreek, Fairview, Lawrence Park and Wesleyville. For cost factors, causes and who pays for sewer backups, see our guide to drain cleaning in Erie, PA.
Drain Backing Up Now? Do This First
- Stop using all water: no flushing, showers, dishwasher or laundry.
- Keep kids and pets away from sewage, and don’t touch it without gloves.
- Don’t pour chemical drain cleaner into a backed-up line.
- If water is near outlets, appliances or the furnace, stay out and call for help.
- Take photos for insurance, then call (888) 703-1520.
✓ Free call · ✓ Price before work · ✓ Fast local help
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.