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Protect Your Home from Sewer Backups



The sewer service (lateral) is owned and maintained by homeowners, including the connection to the district’s main. All maintenance and repairs within the lateral are the homeowner’s responsibility, even the portion of the pipe within the street.

If a backup occurs within your sewer service lateral, a contractor must be contacted by the owner to restore sewer service. All damages are the homeowner’s responsibility. Many homeowner’s insurance policies contain an exclusion for sewer backup damages. Coverage is often available but must be requested as an addition to the policy. The District advises homeowners to discuss sewer backup coverage with their insurance agent.

If it is determined to be a backup caused by a mainline blockage, district staff will restore sewer service and work with the owner to clean and restore the affected areas. In the case that you encounter a sewer back up, call the District at 303-979-2333. We can assist in determining if it is a mainline or service line backup.

The following recommendations can help avoid or mitigate damage from a sewer backup:

  • Do not plant deep rooted trees over or immediately adjacent to sewer service pipes.
  • Do not wash grease, fats or oils from food preparation down the drain. Deposit these materials in the trash.
  • Do not flush any non-flushable items. Follow the Three P’s rule when it comes to what you can safely flush – flush only pee, poop and (toilet) paper.
  • Periodically have your sewer service pipe video inspected by a reputable company and clean the pipe when necessary.
  • Do no place valuable personal property on the floor close to a floor drain. Store personal items at least a few inches off the floor or place inside plastic tubs to protect them in the case of a backup.

If you do experience a backup:

  • Do not run water down any drains or toilets until the problem is identified and corrected.
  • Check with your neighbors to see if they are experiencing anything out of the ordinary. This can help determine the location of the problem.
  • Call the District! We are available to assist with determining the cause of the backup.

If you have any questions or concerns pertaining to the information in this article, or if you would like the District to review your sewer scope video, call the District office at 303-979-2333.