Sewer Back-Ups

Sewer back-up in your basement?
We have resources

A backed-up sewer overflows.

Sewer back-ups occur, despite the best of maintenance programs. If the city is negligent, the city’s insurance will reimburse for your clean-up costs. However, the vast majority of sewer back-ups occur from circumstances beyond the control of the city or the property owner. Here’s what you can do:

Keep “flushable” wipes out of the sewer

  • Talk to the agent who writes your homeowner’s policy. Ask if you’ve got coverage for sewer back-up occurrences. This coverage is automatic in some policies, but in other cases you need to get a special or additional coverage. The premium is usually not too significant, and the coverage may be just what you need to clean up the mess.
  • If you have your private sewer line cleaned, please call the city. Sometimes a sewer cleaning will release a tree root or other item that may cause a back-up down the line. If you let the city know, we can take steps to prevent blockages for others.
  • Investigate as soon as you can if you notice floor drains backing up or slow drains. If the problem is not in your private line, it may be in the city line. Fast attention to these problems may prevent or lessen the severity of a back-up. If the problem is determined not to be in your line, call the city immediately.

This is definitely a case where preparation on your part can save you time and expense later.