Backup Prevention

Sewer backups may be caused by:

• Problems in the public sewer system maintained by the Metropolitan Sewer District (MSD).

  Click to learn more about the causes of sewer backups.

• Problems in the private sewer system on your property, including clogs or breaks in the building sewer—the sewer line that connects your property to the main public sewer line.

  Click to learn more about preventing problems in your building sewers.

Preventing problems caused by the public sewer system

If your property experiences recurring backups because of public sewer problems, you may be eligible for prevention assistance. As a first step, you will need to fill out a questionnaire describing the history of sewer backups on your property.

If your property meets the criteria for prevention assistance, MSD will develop a plan to eliminate the problem, at no cost to you.

MSD will need up to two years to evaluate, design, and construct a remedy for your property. MSD will install devices designed to prevent future SBUs, provided you agree to the proposed solution and you give MSD access to your property for installation.  You will not be charged for the installation; however, if the device requires electricity to operate, you will have to provide the electricity. 

During this time, you must not store personal property in the area that has backups, and you must not install carpeting, flooring, or drywall in this area.

Call (513) 244-1358 for more information.

Download the Sewer Backup Prevention Program brochure

Watch a video about Sewer Backup Prevention Devices