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1. How and where should I report a sewer backup?

If a city resident has a sewer backup problem, he/she should call the Public Works Department at 715-262-5544 first. After 3:30 p.m., Saturday, Sunday, or holidays, the Police Department should be notified at the non-emergency number, 715-262-5512, or call 911. Residents should state that they are reporting a sewer emergency. Backed up sewer lines, line breaks, sewage odors, and overflowing manholes are considered an emergency.

2. What causes a sewer backup?

Sanitary sewer overflows can be caused by a number of factors. They usually involve sewer pipe blockages in either main sewer lines or service laterals (lines between buildings and the main line). Causes may include:

• Construction mishaps
• Insufficient system capacity due to residential or commercial growth
• Pipe breaks or cracks due to tree roots
• System deterioration

In home and office plumbing systems, the main cause is accumulation of grease, tree roots, hair, or solid materials, such as disposable diapers or sanitary napkins that are too large for wastewater pipes to handle. Such materials may cause major backups in city lines as well as in residents’ lateral lines. Please call 715-262-5544 for more information.

3. How could a sewer backup affect me?

If the backup occurs in a city maintained line the wastewater will normally overflow out of the lowest possible opening, which is usually a manhole. However, in some homes - especially those with basements, or where the lowest level is even with the sewer lines - the overflowing wastewater may exit through the home’s lower drains and toilets. Please call 715-262-5544 for more information.

4. What should I do if sewage backs up into my home?

First, take action to protect people and valuable property. Keeping in mind that ceramic plumbing fixtures such as toilets are fragile, quickly close all drain openings with stoppers or plugs. Tub, sink, and floor drains may need additional weight to keep them sealed. A string mop can be used to help plug toilet openings.

Don’t run any water down your drains until the blockage has been cleared. A quick check with nearby neighbors will help determine if the backup appears to be in your neighbor’s wastewater line, and/or widespread in your neighborhood. In this case, call the Department of Public Works immediately at 715-262-5544. Call a plumber if the problem is in your lateral service line.

5. If I call the city (715-262-5544), what will they do about a sewer backup onto my property?

You will be asked questions about the backup timing, location, the property at risk, etc. City personnel will check for blockages in the main line. If the sewer backup onto your property resulted from blockage in the main sewer line, city personnel will explain what the city can immediately do to help take care of the problem. If found, the blockage will be immediately cleared. If the main line is not blocked, you will be advised to call a plumbing or sewer contractor to check your lateral line. Maintenance and repair of the lateral line is the owner’s responsibility.

To minimize damage and negative health effects, you should arrange for cleanup of the property as soon as possible. There are qualified businesses that specialize in this type of cleanup.

6. Will insurance cover any damage to my home or property?

In the majority of cases, a special rider will need to be added to your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy to cover damages related to sewage backups or water damage. This optional coverage is usually not very expensive, but you must usually request that it be added to your policy. Check with your insurance agent about this policy provision.

As with the majority of municipalities in the country, the city cannot assume financial responsibility for damages resulting from sewage backups, since most stoppages are related to conditions that are beyond the city’s control. That is why it is important that property owners confirm that they are adequately insured - particularly if areas of their home lie below ground level. Call your insurance agent today to have this coverage added to your policy.

7. What is Illicit Storm Water Runoff?

Illicit storm water runoff is the release of non-storm water to the storm water drainage system. Examples include:

• Fertilizers
• Improperly disposed oil or gasoline
• Industrial waste
• Untreated sewage

These may get discharged into a storm water drainage system that then drains to a stream, river, or lake resulting in high levels of pollutants such as:

• Bacteria
• Grease
• Heavy metals
• Oils
• Solvents