(FREDERICKSBURG, Va.) July 24, 2026 – The City of Fredericksburg Department of Public Works and Utilities will begin working on areas of its citywide sanitary sewer cleaning and inspection program on July 27, 2026.
The program will help maintain the reliability and performance of the City’s wastewater collection system. This preventive maintenance program is an important part of the City’s ongoing commitment to protecting public health, safeguarding the environment, and maintaining reliable wastewater service. Cleaning and inspecting sewer mains allows crews to remove grease, roots, sediment, and other debris that can restrict flows and contribute to sewer backups or sanitary sewer overflows.
The inspections also help identify aging or damaged infrastructure so repairs can be planned before more significant issues develop. The program will continue throughout the city over the next several years, covering the City’s entire sewer footprint. Work will begin in the Mayfield neighborhood and continue west.
While work in each neighborhood is expected to take three to four weeks, sewer cleaning and inspection operations in the southern end of the City are expected to last until the end of October 2026. At the completion of each neighborhood, the City will provide further updates to notify residents where operations will be occurring next. Residents should not experience interruptions to sewer service while the work is being performed.
During cleaning activities, air movement within the sewer system may cause:
- Gurgling noises from sinks or toilets
- Temporary sewer odors
- Water movement within plumbing fixtures
To minimize any effects, residents are encouraged to:
- Keep toilet lids closed when not in use
- Notify Public Works and Utilities Department if unusual plumbing conditions are experienced
Residents may notice the contractors, Duke’s, maintenance crews working in neighborhoods, vacuum trucks and other specialized equipment operating near manholes, as well as temporary lane closures or short traffic delays. Please follow posted signs and detours. Sewer service is expected to remain available throughout the project.
The City appreciates the public’s patience and cooperation while this important preventive maintenance work is completed. For more information or if you have any concerns during the cleaning operations, please contact the City of Fredericksburg Department of Public Works and Utilities at 540-372-1023.