What should I do if sewage backs up into my home?

First, notify the City of Wentzville immediately using the contact information listed at the top of this page.

Second, take immediate action to protect people and valuable property:

• Take caution when entering a basement that is full of water to avoid electrical shock and contact with pollutants.
• Do not run any water down your drains until the blockage has been cleared.
• Take reasonable steps to clean or arrange for cleanup to include removing all water or sewage contaminated items. Disinfect and dry the affected area as soon as possible to minimize damage.
• There are qualified businesses that specialize in this type of cleanup if you do not feel safe or confident in your abilities.
• If the backup is high enough to affect any electrical devices, furnaces, equipment or appliances, contact a reputable repair service to inspect for damages.

Third, if the public sewer main line is not blocked, you will be advised to call a plumbing company or sewer contractor to check your private service line. Maintenance and repair of the service line is the owner’s responsibility from the house to and including the connection to the City’s public sewer main line. The City crew is not authorized to perform any private service line work.

Fourth, contact your insurance provider promptly to report the incident and for future instructions. Some insurance companies provide or require professional services for the clean up.