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1. Who is responsible for sewer backups?

You may need a plumber to investigate and determine the cause of your sewer backup. The cause of the sewer backup will determine who is responsible for repair and cleanup costs.

Backups due to extreme weather or private sewer lateral issues: Private sewer laterals are the responsibility of the private property owner. If you believe your private lateral is blocked or damaged, contact a licensed plumber to investigate. If your lateral damage is under the public roadway, you may be eligible for assistance from SD1.

Backups due to a failure of the public sewer system that could have been prevented: We proactively inspect and clean all of our sewer pipes on a rotating basis to prevent problems like this; however. if the system failed and we could have prevented it, we will make the necessary repairs to the sewer and connect you with our Insurance Specialist for further consideration. 

2. Do I need to report sewer backups to SD1?

Yes, all sewer backups should be reported immediately to SD1, even repeated occurrences. Call our 24-hour emergency hotline; 859-578-7450 (Option 1) and we will send a crew out to investigate what caused the backup and will notify you about the results. 

Note: SD1 considers customers’ backup reports when prioritizing sewer improvement projects. If your property has experienced a sewer backup you may qualify for SD1’s Backup Assistance Program. Document the backup, begin cleanup, and call your homeowners insurance provider as soon as possible to report any damage. 

3. How do I cleanup a sewer backup?

Here are a few cleanup tips: 

• Keep children and pets out of the flooded area.
• Wear rubber boots, gloves and work clothes to minimize skin contact with the water, which may be contaminated with sewage. 
• Do not eat, drink, smoke or touch your face while in the flooded area. 
• Take care not to slip on wet surfaces.

4. How can I prevent sewer backups?

Every situation is unique, but it may be possible to reduce the risk of sewer backups through plumbing improvements. When considering the options listed below, consult with a licensed plumber to determine the best approach for your property.

• Maintain your private sewer lateral.
• Disconnect downspouts.
• Install a backflow prevention device.
• Install a sump pump or whole-house sewage ejector pump.  

Explore backflow prevention devices, sump pumps and more on our Backup Assistance Program page.