Sewer Backups

General Information

A sewer backup creates a stressful and emotional situation for the homeowner/renter.  In some cases, it may cause health and safety concerns as well as significant property loss.  A proper response to a sewer backup can greatly minimize property damage and diminish the threat of illness. The City of Gardner makes every effort to be responsive to a resident’s needs and concerns where a sewer backup occurs.  The City has a sewer crew whose sole duty is to inspect, clean and maintain sewers on a daily basis.  They are available on a 7-day a week, 24-hour a day basis to minimize the possibility of sewer problems.  Unfortunately, because a sewer is not a closed system, many things put into the sewer can clog the system.  Large amounts of grease from restaurants and diapers are two common items that cause problems.  While the City of Gardner has adopted rules prohibiting the discharge of any substance likely to cause a sewer obstruction, and tries to educate the public about the problems they cause, there is really no way we can absolutely prevent this from happening.  Other factors can cause backups as well, such as tree roots, which can grow into and obstruct the system.

Many homeowners’ insurance policies exclude damage resulting from sewer backups.  However, some insurance companies do provide sewer backup coverage.   If you are concerned about the possibility of a sewer backup and want to insure that you are covered, the City urges you to check with your home insurer regarding the availability of sewer backup insurance.

Contact Information

If you experience a sewer problem, please call the Public Works Department at 856-0914 during normal business hours.  If calling after 5 p.m. or on the weekends/holidays, call 913-856-6802 and state that you are reporting a sewer emergency. Backed up sewer lines, line breaks, sewage odors and overflowing manholes are considered an emergency. If the problem is in the sewer lateral, the homeowner or business is responsible for correcting the problem.  The owner of the property is responsible for maintaining and cleaning the sewer lateral from the building (or home) to the City’s sewer main, including the connection on the sewer main.  Locating the lateral is also the responsibility of the property owner.  The City of Gardner Building Inspection Department has records showing the location of these lateral lines through filed plumbing permits.  Several plumbers also have special locating equipment, which will be helpful.

If the problem is in the sewer lateral, who do you call for help?  You will need to call a plumber or sewer/drain cleaning service.  Check your Yellow Pages or Business White Pages.  The City of Gardner cannot make a recommendation.  It may be in your best interest to obtain several estimates.

REMEMBER TO CALL THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT FIRST before calling plumber.  We will check the sewer main and inform you of our findings.  If the problem is not in the City main, you will be advised to contact a plumber or a sewer/drain cleaning service.

Lateral vs Main

What is a sewer lateral?  A sewer lateral or house lateral is the pipeline between the City sanitary sewer main, usually located between the street and the building.  The sewer lateral is owned and maintained by the property owner including any part which may extend into the street or public right of way. More often than not, the cause of a backup in your lateral is from items that the line is not meant to handle, such as kid’s toys, underwear, towels, diapers, paper products (other than toilet paper), keys and even false teeth.  To avoid flushing these items, remember to close the toilet lid.  What you flush down your toilet may not affect you, but it might cause problems for your neighbors!  Another possible cause would be roots in your lateral.  The lateral is the responsibility of the owner of the property from the house to the sewer main.

Ways To Prevent Backups in your Lateral and in the City Main

The property owner can do many things to prevent the lateral from the backing up.  Remember too, that the very same things can help to prevent backups in the City main as well.  If everyone would be careful about how they dispose of certain products, our systems would be a great deal more efficient, cause fewer backups, cost us all less money, and prevent a lot of misery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q:  What is the City’s responsibility regarding private sewer laterals?

A:  The property owner is fully responsible for maintaining adequate sewage flow to and through the sewer lateral, from the property structure to and into the City’s sewer main.  When failure or stoppage of a sewer lateral occurs, City crews will respond only to check the sewer main to verify that the main is open and sewage is flowing.  If the sewer main is found to be clear, it is the responsibility of the property owner to call a licensed plumber or drain cleaning service to correct the problem.  Verbal assistance and answers to questions can be received by calling the Department of Public Works at 856-0914.

Q:  If I notice a foreign substance flowing into a storm drain inlet, who should I call?

A:  If you notice a foreign substance flowing into a storm drain inlet, please call the Department of Public Works at 856-0914 to report the location.

Q:  What If my sewer backs up?

A:  If you experience a sewer backup, call us at 856-0914 during normal business hours.  If calling after 5 p.m. or on the weekends/holidays, call 913-856-6802 and state that you are reporting a sewer emergency. We will dispatch a maintenance crew to your address to determine if the stoppage is in the City main or your sewer lateral.  If the City main is found to be clear, it is the responsibility of the property owner to call a plumber or sewer/drain cleaning service to correct the problem.  The property owner is responsible for maintaining adequate flow to and through the sewer lateral from the property structure to and into the City sewer main.  If the blockage is in the City main, we will fix it as quickly as possible and keep you informed about what is being done.

Q:  What about the mess?

A:  A sewer backup can lead to disease, destruction of your valuables, damage to your house and electrical malfunctions.  Prompt cleanup of affected property can help minimize the inconvenience and damage.

Q:  Who can I call to clean up a sewer back up?

A: The City recommends hiring a professional to assist you with the clean up. Generally companies that perform this type of service can be found in your Yellow Pages under the headings of "Sewer & Drain Cleaning" or "Sewer Contractors". 

You should immediately arrange for the cleanup of your property: