Emergency crews in Nogales, Arizona, were called to a house that flooded as a result of a wastewater backup Fourth of July weekend. Learn what caused millions of dollars worth of damage by reading No. 3 on this year's Top 10 list.

Top 10 Stories of 2015

10. Nozzle Knowledge: How to Pick the Right One
The type of nozzle you choose is the most important factor when it comes to cleaning sewer lines efficiently, yet it is perhaps the most ignored piece of the system.

9. 10 Photos of Proper Confined-Space Entry
Confined-space entry is dangerous. Take a safety cue from these cleaners who demonstrate proper preparation and completion of confined-space entries.

8. Manhole Cover Explodes Through Bus Floor, Injuring Passenger
An underground explosion shot a nearly 300-pound manhole cover through the floor of a New York City bus directly under passenger Josephina Guzman’s seat. She sustained minor injuries from the freak accident, but it could have been much worse.

7. Homeowner Gets Surprise When Technician Recovers Wedding Ring
Technician Brandon Rogers recovered more than a lost wedding ring when he was called to a St. Paul, Minnesota, home in late August. Find out what else was hiding in the drainline and how much Rogers’ services ended up costing the homeowner. Hint: Not every good deed comes with a price tag.

6. War on FOG
Fats, oil and grease continue to plague sewer systems across the world. Follow along as we examine the best strategies for eliminating FOG through source control and other proven methods.

5. Snakes in a Toilet
Snake catcher Elliot Budd reveals how pythons in Queensland, Australia, have slithered their way into people’s plumbing systems and startled homeowners.

4. Technician Who Nearly Lost His Life Wasn’t Alone
Turns out an Oregon technician who came close to losing his life when his boss texted him to break a sewer pipe that turned out to be a gas line wasn’t alone. Three other former employees said they received similar messages.

3. Drug Smugglers Destroy Sewer Line
A CCTV inspection confirmed what officials in Arizona had suspected — bundles of marijuana, being smuggled from Mexico, blocked a sewer line and caused a major backup, including millions of dollars worth of damage.

2. Sewer Worker Killed in Trench Collapse
Jacob Casher was killed Sept. 28 after an unshored trench collapsed on him when he jumped into the 12-foot-deep pit to retrieve a shovel that was left behind. Casher had just celebrated his 21st birthday.

1. 7 Startup Tips for Your Drain Cleaning Business
Kim Lewis has run a sewer rehabilitation and drain cleaning business for over a quarter century. Are you just getting started in the industry? Here are some tips that may save you some stress and allow your business to flourish.