Report a Sewer Problem
Call SD1 at 859-578-7450 (option 1) to report any kind of sewer emergency. This may include issues such as a basement backup, overland flooding, sewer overflows or collapsed infrastructure.
It is important to report all sewer emergencies to SD1 as soon as possible so that we can investigate the cause. SD1 also considers emergency reports when prioritizing improvement projects.
Basement Backups
Sewer backups are caused by a buildup in pressure in the sewer system that sends sewage back up into homes or businesses through floor drains, toilets or other plumbing fixtures. Blocked pipes also can cause or contribute to sewer backups.
Wet-weather backups occur as excessive water enters the sewer system during heavy rainfall and snowmelt events, causing the pressure to build. Issues in either private sewer laterals or public sewer pipes can lead to sewer backups.
A private sewer lateral is the pipe that connects your home’s plumbing to the public sewer system. Property owners own and are responsible for maintaining these pipes. If water is slow to drain from your home during dry weather or after a rain event, your private lateral may be blocked or otherwise damaged. If you believe your private lateral is blocked or damaged, contact a licensed plumber to investigate.
If you have experienced a basement backup, you may be eligible for financial assistance to pay the full cost of installing a backflow prevention device in your home through SD1’s Backup Assistance Program.
If your lateral damage is under the public roadway, you may also be eligible for assistance through SD1’s Private Lateral Repair Program.
Overland Flooding
Overland flooding can occur for a variety of reasons stemming from excessive storm water runoff, which occurs when rain or snowmelt is unable to soak into the ground due to impervious surfaces such as sidewalks, rooftops, parking lots and streets.
SD1 works to reduce the risk of overland flooding by maintaining storm sewers and related structures, but SD1’s infrastructure is only part of a complex network of storm water control structures designed to protect our region from flooding and other runoff issues.
While SD1 is responsible for storm water flow once it enters our storm water system, for the most part, the flow of storm water before it enters our system is the responsibility of cities, counties and individual property owners.
Cities and counties are responsible for maintaining roadside ditches, culverts, curb and gutter systems and storm catch basin grates. Individual property owners are responsible for storm drainage systems that convey storm water runoff solely from private property.
Collapsed Public Infrastructure
SD1 works to maintain and replace public pipes and other infrastructure before they become damaged or collapse. Sometimes, though, infrastructure can fail. When this happens, SD1 responds as soon as possible to determine if it is our responsibility and, if so, to correct the issue.
Industrial Pretreatment Spills and Bypasses
Industrial pretreatment spills and bypasses must be reported immediately after being discovered. To report an industrial pretreatment spill, bypass or other change that could affect industrial discharges, call 859-547-1673.