In Winston, some homes drain to the Douglasville-Douglas County WSA sewer and others are not on municipal sewer, using a private onsite system. Either way, a plumber clears the fixtures and building drain leaving the house. Call the number on this page to be connected with a local plumber in Winston.
Winston is a small unincorporated community in western Douglas County along I-20; its town charter was repealed in 1995, so Douglas County handles permits. Water comes from the Douglasville-Douglas County Water and Sewer Authority (WSA), which provides sewer where it's available. Sewer availability in Winston isn't confirmed address by address, and WSA notes that properties in the Dog River drainage basin that are not on municipal sewer must keep their private onsite systems maintained as a condition of water service. WSA's rules make homeowners responsible for water and sewer lines on their property.
What to do now
- Stop the water. No flushing, showers or laundry.
- Know your system. If you pay WSA for sewer, you're on public sewer. If not, you're likely on a private onsite system.
- Check the scope. One fixture is a local clog; the whole house slow means the main drain or, off sewer, possibly the onsite system.
- Report public sewer problems. WSA takes sewer emergencies at 770-942-6633 after hours, 770-949-7617 on weekdays.
- Find the cleanout. Look near the foundation for a capped pipe; leave it shut if water is pressing up.
Symptoms and likely causes
| Symptom | Likely cause |
|---|---|
| One sink or tub slow | Hair, soap or food in that drain |
| Toilets and tubs slow together | Clog in the building drain |
| Whole house slow, line clears easily | On a private onsite system, the system may need service |
| Damp ground near the house drain | A leak or blockage in the line leaving the house |
| Recurring clogs | Roots, a sag or grease buildup |
What affects the cost
- Length of line to the street or tank, which on rural lots can be long
- Whether there's an accessible cleanout
- Cable, jetting or camera work
- Repair needs if a section is broken
- After-hours timing
On a property not on municipal sewer, a plumber's work ends at the tank; if the pipe is clear and the house still backs up, the system needs a provider who services onsite systems. Repairs that need a permit go through Douglas County Building Permits & Inspections, since Winston has no town government. When you call, you'll be connected with an independent plumber who works in Winston; say whether you pay a sewer bill so they know where your line ends.
Drain Cleaning questions in Winston
Can a plumber clear drains in a home that isn't on municipal sewer?
Which part of the sewer pipe is the homeowner's responsibility?
If every drain backs up at once, should I call the utility or a plumber first?
Are wipes labeled flushable safe to flush?
More plumbing services in Winston
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