Report a Sewer Backup
If you think you have experienced a sewer backup from the public sewer, please report your backup to MSD within 24 hours of discovery.
There are two ways to report your sewer backup:
Next Steps
So, you’ve reported your sewer backup. Now what? Here are the steps for MSD’s Sewer Backup (SBU) Response program:
- Report: Report your sewer backup to MSD within 24 hours of discovery.
- Determine Eligibility: MSD investigates all reports of sewer backups to determine eligibility for assistance. MSD’s SBU program covers sewer backups caused by inadequate capacity in the public sewer or MSD’s negligence, but does not cover backups caused solely by private plumbing issues or overland flooding. Learn more...
- Clean: If your property is authorized for cleaning, MSD will contact you by phone to schedule the cleaning. Learn more...
- Claims: You can submit a damage claim. You will be reimbursed for damages if you meet the eligibilty requirements for the SBU program. Learn more...
- Protect: If your property has experienced recurring backups from the public sewer, you may be eligible for prevention assistance. Learn more...
Do Your Part Cincinnati
MSD created the Do Your Part Cincinnati digital experience to help kids (young and old) learn about their sewer system. Click Puddles the cat to watch the video, play the game, and read more about how to do your part.