Backups?
Before You Call a Plumber, Call Us
If you live in DeKalb Sanitary District and are experiencing a sewer backup, please contact the DeKalb Sanitary District before you call your plumber.
The District will check the public sewer to make sure the public system is not creating your problem (no cost to you).
If your problem persists after the District informs you that the public system was inspected, cleaned or found to be operating properly, you may then wish to call your plumber to check your private service lateral.
Whose Responsibility?
Private Problems
The sewer pipe (usually 4" or 6") between a building and the public sewer, commonly referred to as the "building sewer" or "service lateral," is the property and responsibility of the building owner.
Problems in private laterals can be caused by cracks or collapsing of the pipe themselves, by improper connections between the lateral and the main and by the intrusion of tree roots into the service lateral. A licensed plumber is the best person to identify the problem for you and help you find solutions. Local plumbers often ask that you call the Sanitary District to rule out a public problem before they investigate a private one.
Tree Roots -- A Cause of Sewer Backups
Public Sewer Problems
The Sanitary District is responsible for the public sanitary sewer system.
- Tree roots grow into public mains and eventually block them.
- Grease is illegally put down drains and congeals, plugging the mains.
- Construction debris gets into opened sewer lines.
- Lines with minimal use can't flush themselves properly and fill with sediment.
You'll see us around town doing preventative flushing of main sewer lines to forestall some of these problems. But we can't always know about backups and slow downs until you call us.
The District can be reached at 758-3513 or at 757-3084 (cell phone) after normal work hours if no answer was received on 758-3513.
Working to Reduce Sewer Problems
Since taking over the responsibility for the "Collection System" (public mains) from the City of DeKalb in 1987, the DeKalb Sanitary District has been working to reduce the number of problems that are caused by the public system.
Each year, District crews televise and test sewers to identify those most in need of repair or replacement. After evaluation, projects for lining, spot repairs, root foaming and sewer replacement are developed and put out for bids each spring with work taking place every summer.
More about Sewer System Evaluation