What do I do if my sewer backs up?

Tips for Dealing with Sewer Backups

If sewer wastewater is backing up into your home, it may mean the city main is blocked due to significant rainfall or a power failure affecting the pumping stations.  If you experience a backflow:

• Call City Hall immediately to inform them of the problem.  If City Hall is closed, call the Monona Police Dispatch line at 222-0463.
• Keep people and pets away from the affected area(s).
• Do not attempt to clean it yourself.
• Turn off central heat and air-conditioning systems and prevent flow from reaching floor vents by using towels or blankets as a berm. You can also remove the vent cover and stuff a towel in the opening to help prevent the flow from entering.
• Call an experienced restoration company for cleanup and removal of affected surfaces.
• Leave items in the affected area for the experts to handle.
• Report a claim to your homeowner's insurance carrier.
• If you had recent plumbing work, contact your plumber or contractor.

Consider installing a backflow prevention device or BPD.  A BPD is a fixture put on a sewer line, and sometimes a drain line, in the basement of your home or building foundation to prevent sewer backflows.  A properly installed backflow preventer works on a one-way system; sewage can go out, but not back in.  Many backup prevention devices can be installed by the homeowner or a plumber.

Residents can also help to prevent backflows by curbing water usage during heaving rainfall or storms (don’t run dishwashers, washing machines, flush toilets or take showers.