What To Do If You Have a Sewer Backup

If you have a sewer backup you have two options. You can call the City and have them contract a plumber to fix it, or you can call a plumber of your choice to fix it. 

Option 1: Call the City

• Call 311 to report a sewer backup.
• A contracted service will be sent to check out the problem. The service will clear the blockage and perform a closed circuit television (CCTV) inspection of the sewer service. A video of the inspection will be given to you for your records.
• The City will review documentation to see who is responsible for the blockage.
• If the blockage is found to be the responsibility of the City, the City will pay the invoice.
• If the blockage is found to be your responsibility, then you will be invoiced and an explanation of the assessment will be provided.

Option 2: Hire a plumber of your choice 

• Call a contractor of your choice
• If you and your plumber think that the blockage is the City’s responsibility, you need to submit a sewer backup reimbursement application to the City to see if you qualify for reimbursement.
• The City will review the reimbursement application to see who is responsible for the blockage.
• If your application meets the requirements, then you will be reimbursed according to the policy.