Sewer Backup Investigation
MSD investigates every report of a possible sewer backup to review whether the property may be eligible for assistance through the Sewer Backup (SBU) Program, as established by federal Consent Decree.
Once a report is received, an MSD Customer Service crew is typically dispatched within four hours to conduct an initial investigation of the property.
MSD'S INVESTIGATION STEPS
As part of the initial investigation, the MSD Customer Service crew may review and document a variety of factors, including:
- Physical conditions of the MSD sewer, manholes, cleanouts on the private building sewer, exterior features of the property and street, as well as property and area drainage.
- Physical conditions in the property's lowest level, or whereever the possible backup is occurring, if access to the building is granted by the property owner or his/her representative.
MSD'S FINDINGS
After the MSD Customer Service crew completes its initial investigation, an MSD supervisor will determine whether further action by MSD is warranted.
ELIGIBILITY FOR SBU PROGRAM CLEANING ASSISTANCE
MSD provides professional cleaning services inside a building at no cost to eligible property owners and tenants when a sewer backup appears to be caused by an issue within the public sewer operated by MSD.
Learn more about Cleaning Services
Property owners and tenants may also be eligible to apply for reimbursement for damages to property located within the affected building in accordance with the SBU Program.
Learn more about Claims
