Sewer Backup Prevention

Routine Maintenance and Preventing Backups

Property owners are responsible for cleaning, maintaining, and repairing their sewer service (from their homes or businesses to the sewer main), including the connection at the main (see illustration below).

Property owners are also responsible for making sure sump pumps, foundation drains, and roof gutter downspouts are not connected to the sanitary sewer system (see the Inflow & Infiltration main page).

Many sewer problems can be avoided through regular maintenance.

The number one way to avoid sewer backups is by simply watching what you put down the drains. Pipes are like arteries. Grease and soap residue build up over time and lead to clogs. If you’ve had a history of backups, a routine sewer cleaning is recommended. In any case, a sewer check-up once every two years doesn’t hurt. Think of it as a seweroscopy.

What To Do About Sewer Backups

Because of the Town’s regular maintenance program, only a small percentage of sewer backups in The Town of Cheektowaga are caused by problems in Town sewer lines (such as tree roots growing into the sewer). The Town of Cheektowaga is not responsible or liable for a sewer blockage unless there is a clear demonstration of negligence on its part. However, it’s important to call the Town whenever a sewer backup occurs (716-896-7502). Sewer Maintenance personnel will respond 24 hours a day to make sure the Town sewer line is clear.

In many cases, sewer backups are caused by a build-up of grease and soap residue in your sewer line. Catastrophic events, such as weather problems or electricity loss, are other possible causes. To find a company that will locate and clear your sewer blockage, look in the Yellow Pages under “Sewer Cleaning” or do a web search.

What to Do if Your Basement is Flooding?

See Flooding and Drainage Problems in the Program Links box on the Inflow & Infiltration web page