Sewer Backup Help

If you experience a sewer backup, don’t panic! The first step is to determine whether the blockage is in your home fixture or in the sewer main. If all drains flow except for one, the issue is likely a simple clog. Please contact ar plumber or a rodding service for assistance. If you experience backups across multiple plumbing fixtures, the sewer main itself may be blocked. Those who live in incorporated areas should contact their public works agency to investigate. Those in unincorporated areas should contact Fox Metro for assistance.

If the sewer main is blocked and it is Fox Metro’s line, we will initiate corrective action to restore flow in the main.

If the main line is clear, the homeowner will be advised to contact a licensed plumber or sewer rodding company for assistance. At this point, the homeowner is responsible for any and all costs incurred.

When a plumbing company or rodding service is called, every effort to clear the blockage should be made by normal rodding techniques. If a cleanout has not been provided in the house or front yard, the most effective point to enter the service line is from a cleanout in the basement. If the house is on a slab, the toilet in the central bathroom of the home must be removed to perform this type of service.

Note that if the basement is flooded as the result of a severe storm, the water may be contaminated. There may also be electrical hazards present if the water has submerged electrical fixtures in the basement (e.g. outlets or devices that are plugged in). Please take caution and contact the proper authorities when in doubt.

Here is a helpful webpage from the Illinois Department of Health on cleaning properly after a sewage backup.  Cleaning Up After Flood and Sewer Overflows.

If it is determined that your sewer services need to be repaired, we recommend that the property owners get two to three price quotes.   Our staff may be able to provide suggestions for licensed, insured, bonded, and reputable companies for local contractors.  Prior to the commencement of any work, the homeowner or contractor must obtain a no charge repair permit from the Engineering Department. The contractor performing the work will need to have a current License and Permit Bond on file. An inspection is also required prior to backfilling. If performed during normal business hours, inspections are free of charge. If you have questions regarding a sewer repair, please call 630-301-6811.

If a company televises your service, feel free to reach out to the Engineering Department to have one of our staff members review the video and then give their recommendations.

There may be times when your sewer service outside becomes blocked. This will usually become evident when the toilet overflows, and at the same time, the water in the sink or bath tub at the same elevation is slow in draining or not draining at all. Common causes of sewer blockages include:

• Tree Roots.  Tree roots are the #1 cause of sewer backups, especially in Boulder Hill.  If there is a tree in the near the home’s service line, these roots are the likely cause.  Many homeowners have their service lines rodded routinely as preventive maintenance. Again, we recommend taking the time to get 2-3 price quotes.
  
• “Flushable” Wipes.  Please throw these in the trash vs. flushing down the toilet.
• Grease.  Many homeowners will put grease down the drain and it will clog the line as it cools and hardens.
• Nonflushable Items.  Paper towels, diapers, condoms, and feminine products should be disposed of in the garbage.  Remember the “3-Ps”: only pee, poop, and (toilet) paper should be flushed.
• Children’s Items.  Curious kids will often flush their toys, clothing, or other items.
  

These items should never be flushed down the drain as these will often become lodged downstream and are costly to remove.

Fox Metro offers a limited reimbursement program for damages caused by sanitary sewer backups caused by blockages in Fox Metro’s mains and interceptors.  If there is a clearly responsible party, such as vandalism, a flood, or an commercial or industrial user nearby who is deemed to have caused the backup, Fox Metro will not reimburse residents.  Please call 630-301-6811 to determine eligibility.