Sewer Backup Information

Sewer backups happen. If you have ever experienced one, you know there is a lot of time and money spent to correct the damage caused by the backup. Roots, grease, and improper disposal of items typically cause sanitary sewer line blockages. Tree roots can enter the sanitary sewer system at joints and cracks in the sewer service lines and mains. Grease can solidify in the sewer lines and restrict other waste from flowing through. Disposable diapers, paper towels, feminine hygiene products, dental floss, or similar items that might get flushed down the drain or toilet can block the lines. When it comes to these items, well mainly, you will mess up the plumbing or septic system of wherever you flush them—and no one wants to deal with a backed-up toilet (especially you, right?).

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), these items do not break down like toilet paper, especially feminine products and disposable diapers (they are absorbent and swell with wetness, after all), so they end up causing clogs, which can then damage the wastewater treatment infrastructure. Dental floss can be very damaging to the sanitary system – While those tiny little pieces of string might seem innocent enough to toss in the bowl, it is made of nylon or Teflon so it is not biodegradable and does not break down. This leads to damage to sanitary lift station pumps and countless hours of maintenance.

As a resident, you play an important role in keeping the City’s main sewer line and your own private sewer line clean and clear of blockages. The following items should be disposed of in your trash can, NOT in the sanitary sewer system:

• Diapers
• Sanitary Napkins or Tampons
• Dental Floss
• Rags or shop towels
• Garage waste products such as oil, grease, gasoline, antifreeze
• Household waste such as ashes, corrosives, glass, metals, paint, poisons, or solvents
• Yard waste such as sand, soil or mud

If a sewer backup occurs on your property, the City of Oakdale encourages you to take the following steps:

1. Call the City immediately at (651) 730-2740 to report the sewer backup. The City will work with you to identify the location of the blockage. If the blockage is in one of the City’s main sewer lines, the Public Works crew will attempt to clear the blockage. 
2. Arrange for the blockage to be cleared if it is determined to be in the individual sewer line to your property. Remember, you are responsible for scheduling and paying for the service to clear any such blockage. 
3. If you have homeowners or another type of property insurance coverage, notify your insurance agent of the sewer backup to see if such a claim is covered.
4. It is a good idea to use the services of a reputable company experienced in cleaning up after sewer backups.
5. Document the actions you take (calls, contacts, costs) in response to the sewer backup.