What if I have a sewer problem?

Any problems that occur within the private portion of the sanitary sewer system are the responsibility of the property owner. However, when a problem does occur, it is a good idea to call the city and have them check the main line to make sure the source of the problem is not actually in the main line. For information on how to protect your home or business from a sewer backup, see our sewer backup brochure (PDF).

How much of the sewer line am I responsible for?

Per City Code, the property owner is responsible for the sewer line from the house or building up to where it connects with the main line.

Understanding Roseville’s new Sanitary Sewer Backup Cleanup Assistance Policy

To protect the health and safety of residents, the Roseville City Council has approved a “Residential Sanitary Sewer Backup Cleanup Assistance Policy (PDF)” to provide for timely cleanup in the event of a sewer backup. If the backup is verified due to blockage in the city mainline, the city will arrange for prompt wet extraction, removal and disposal of carpeting and carpet padding, drywall, other wall materials, insulation, and sanitizing and deodorizing of floors and walls, as needed after a sanitary sewer backup up to a maximum cost of $5,000.  Property owners who qualify for this City provided clean up service will be required to sign a Cleanup Agreement prior to the City's cleanup contractor commencing work.

Sewage Backup

Infrequently, a blockage in a sewer line will result in a backup of sanitary sewage into a private home. If you experience a sewer backup, the city encourages you to take the following steps:

• Call the city immediately at 651-792-7004 to report the sewer backup Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.. If after hours, call 651-767-0640. The city will work with you to identify the location of the blockage. If the blockage is in the city’s main sewer line, the city will clear the blockage and with property owner approval contact a cleaning contractor to begin cleanup as soon as possible. (This policy does not provide for city payment of expenses if the property owners choose to arrange for or perform the cleanup activity themselves.)
• If the blockage is determined to be in the individual sewer line to your property, the property owner is responsible to make arrangements and pay for the blockage to be cleared and for cleaning.
• If you have homeowners or another type of property insurance coverage, notify your insurance agent of the sewer backup.
• To minimize damage and negative health effects, arrangements for cleaning should be made as soon as possible.

The city is not automatically responsible when a sewer backup occurs. A sewer system is not a closed system and there are many reasons for backups that are beyond the city’s control. For example, inappropriate items, such as grease, diapers, and disposable wipes dumped into the system can create a blockage. Another common reason for backups is tree roots growing into the lines. Each year about one-third of the city’s sanitary sewer mains are inspected and cleaned. Mains requiring a higher level of maintenance are cleaned annually or semi-annually. This routine maintenance helps to prevent blockages and sewer backups.

The city’s action in undertaking or executing this policy does not constitute and shall not be interpreted as an admission of liability or fault. By adopting the new policy, property owners can use their own homeowner’s insurance policy to pay for damages, versus cleanup costs. Any property owner claims for damage resulting from sanitary sewer backups in the city system can still be submitted to the city for consideration by the city’s insurance carrier by calling Chris Miller, Finance Director, at 651-792-7031.

View the “Residential Sanitary Sewer Backup Cleanup Assistance Policy (PDF)” here. If you have further questions, please call the Roseville Public Works Department at 651-792-7004.

Prevention Devices

The new policy also allows for reimbursement to residential property owners for the purchase of backflow prevention devices up to $300. The reimbursement does not cover installation and proof of purchase is required. There are several types of backflow prevention devices and it is recommended to consult your local plumber for further information.