Sewer Problems in the Home

URGENT ISSUES

Sewage is backing up into my basement, who should I call or what should I do?

Contact our 24-hour line at (612) 673-5625. We will promptly examine the "City" sewer line to determine whether the problem is ours or yours, at no charge. If the blockage is in the City line, we will use whatever means necessary to open it and restore flow. If the blockage is in your house lateral we will advise that you call a professional drain cleaning service.

Who should I call if my sanitary sewer backs up AFTER normal working hours?

Call (612) 673-5625. After normal working hours, you will be given the number of our standby person. Under normal circumstances, we will arrive at your location within a half hour. Once on site, we will determine whether the problem lies with the City or with your lateral line.

If I have a sewer problem, whom do I call?

You should first call us, the Sewer and Storm Drain Unit, at (612) 673-5625. We can then determine what your issue is and if we can be of any help in resolving the problem.

Who is responsible for cleanup as a result of a sewer backup?

If a problem with a City main caused the backup, we can help with the cleanup. The Public Works supervisor will take pictures of the flooded areas and assess the damage to determine if a cleanup crew is needed. The resident also has the right to submit a claim for damages and other costs related to the back up.

What if I think the damage is the City's fault?

If you believe that the cause of the backup is the City's fault, please ask the responding Sewer and Storm Drain personnel for the proper paperwork.

Claim forms can also be found the City Attorney’s office or on the Claims Process Web site. Please fill out the claims forms in their entirety and return to the Claims Division as soon as possible. Determination of fault is generally worked out between insurance companies.

NON-URGENT ISSUES

I have slow drainage through my toilets, showers, and sinks. What can I do about it?

Slow drainage is usually caused by clogs in your plumbing and you’ll need to call a plumber, drain cleaning service, or try a drain cleaning product.

In a small percentage of cases, there may be an obstruction in the city sewer line. If your neighbors are having similar slow drainage, there is a chance that there is a problem in the City main. If this is the case, call us at (612) 673-5625.

It smells like “sewer gas” in my basement -- what should I do?

The most common cause of “sewer gas” (hydrogen sulfide) odor in basements is due to improperly maintained floor drains. The floor drains in your basement are designed to “trap” the hydrogen sulfide gases in the sewer and away from your basement.

How to Remedy the Problem:

• Locate all of the floor drains in your basement.
• Pour a bucket or two of water in each floor drain every so often. Never let the floor drain dry out.
• Make sure that all plumbing fixtures are at least periodically used in order to keep fresh water in the P traps.
• Also, check the stack vents on your roof to ensure that they are not blocked by snow, ice, leaves, etc.

What causes a sanitary sewer to backup?

Most sewer backups occur when the lines get clogged with debris. However, backups can occur for other reasons. The condition of the sanitary sewer system could be poor, natural conditions such as ground moving and a lot of rain. Also, when people misuse the system problems can occur.

What causes a sewer stoppage?

Sewer stoppage can occur when the City sewer line becomes obstructed. This will then eventually cause a residential back-up, which usually occurs with water/sewage coming up through a floor drain in the basement. The same symptoms will occur when the obstruction is located in the residential lateral.