Sewer Maintenance

The city contracts with Cuyahoga County for the operation and maintenance of our sanitary and storm sewer system. Most of the sewer system, with the exception of the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District’s main interceptor sewers, is owned by the City of Highland Heights and maintained by the Cuyahoga County Department of Public Works.

Additional Information

• The county assesses Highland Heights property owners, based on frontage, for services rendered.
• Charges for sewage treatment, which are separate from the county's maintenance fees, are billed to residents quarterly by the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District.
• Residents with sewer problems should contact the Cuyahoga County Department of Public Works at 216-443-8201 or by email.

Assessing Drainage & Sewer Problems

If some of the sewer drains in your home are blocked and others seem to being working normally, the problem is most likely localized somewhere in your home and you may need the help of a plumber. If all of the drains in your house appear to be blocked, there may be a problem with the main lateral line that connects your home to the city’s sewer main in the street. In this case you can contact the Cuyahoga County Department of Public Works for assistance at 216-443-8201.

Sewer Emergencies

For residents experiencing emergency sewer backup due to flooding or other issues, please call 216-443-8201. An operator will be available to direct your call to a supervisor in the Cuyahoga County Department of Public Works office.

For additional assistance, please feel free to call the City of Highland Heights Service Department at 440-461-7266.

More Information About Drainage Problems

• Drainage Problem Correction Policy (PDF)
• Drainage Investigation Form (PDF)

Street Sweeping & Catch Basin Cleaning

In April of 2002 the Service Department put into service its first street sweeper, an Elgin Geo-Vac combination street sweeper and catch basin cleaner. Since then, the Service Department has carried out a catch basin cleaning project. Basins known to be blocked or restricted are given first priority, followed by a street-by-street basin cleaning program. The department’s goal is to clean between 250 and 300 of the more than 1,800 catch basins located throughout the city each year.