Backup

If you ever experience a problem with your sanitary sewer system, you can call 573-778-1321 for 24 hour emergency service.

Sewer back-ups occur for various reasons. Pike Creek Reorganized Common Sewer District regrets the inconvenience this situation causes. The following sections describe where sewer backups occur, why they occur, and who is financially responsible when they occur.

Lateral/Service Line Problems

Lateral or service lines are those which extend from the customers residence or business to the main sewer line. Lateral or service lines are commonly four or six inches in diameter. Main sewer lines are always eight inches in diameter or larger. The lateral or service line is considered part of the home or business and is the responsibility of the property owner. The majority of back-ups occur because the lateral or service line becomes plugged. The stoppage can occur from several different things, but most commonly occur from items being flushed down the toilet or drain or roots that have grown into the line. Most homeowner insurance policies DO NOT cover damage caused by service lines that become clogged and cause damage. Homeowners should check with their insurance provider and verify their exact coverage related to sewer back-ups caused by a blockage in the lateral or service line.

Main Line Problems

Pike Creek Reorganized Common Sewer District owns the main line sewers. The main line sewer is always eight inches in diameter or larger. The liability of the Pike Creek Reorganized Common Sewer District varies based on the reason for the blockage in the main line. If an obstruction in the main line sewer is caused by vandalism, such as rocks, rags, and bottle or other debris deposited in the line, Pike Creek Reorganized Common Sewer District has no financial responsibility to cover damage to your home. The same is true of clogs caused by sanitary napkins, roots, grease, or other such items put into the sewer system.

Acts of God

Excessive rain or flooding is the most common reason for a sewer to back-up. Although the sewer system is designed to be a self-contained system, rainwater can get into the sewer lines through improper connection of downspouts or other storm water lines, or through cracks in the sewer lines. Excessive amounts of rainwater can exceed the capacity of the sewer system and cause a back-up to occur in basements and homes. Pike Creek Reorganized Common Sewer District is NOT responsible for any damage resulting from Acts of God.

Sewer Back-up Insurance

Most homeowner’s insurance policies will NOT cover damage from water that backs up through the sewer line, drains, or sump pumps. Even if a homeowner has flood insurance, sewer and drain back-ups are normally excluded from the policy. Coverage for this type of event must be added as a rider to your policy. Pike Creek Reorganized Common Sewer District encourages each homeowner to verify their coverage with their insurance provider. This is especially important for customers who live in low-lying areas and those with finished basements.

Emergency Procedures

If you are experiencing a sewer back-up, please contact Pike Creek Reorganized Common Sewer District as soon as possible. Call 573-778-1321 for 24 hour emergency service. The District will respond to all calls as soon as possible to determine the cause of the problem and take corrective measures. If the cause is in the customer’s lateral line, the customer will be informed so that he or she can arrange for a plumber to correct the problem.

Pike Creek Reorganized Common Sewer District recommends the following actions if damage occurs because of a back-up:

1. All sewage and water should be removed immediately from the affected areas. This can be accomplished by using wet vacuums.

2. Remove all wet rugs, clothes, boxes, and other items from the affected area. All washable items should be cleaned immediately. This includes rugs, clothes, and any other item that can be cleaned in a washing machine.

3. All water should be removed from carpets and then the carpet cleaned and deodorized.

All concrete floors should be washed down with fresh water, and then washed with a strong cleanser or other germ and odor killing solution.

4. All items contained in boxes should be removed, cleaned, dried, and the boxes should be thrown away.

5. Only keep necessary items. If you are keeping any item make sure the items are thoroughly cleaned before it is put away. The basement area should be thoroughly dried. Floor fans and a dehumidifier can be purchased or rented locally.