Sewer Backups

  • All residents and commercial establishment operators should first contact a plumber before calling the City for assistance with sewer back-ups (sink or shower will not drain, toilet will not flush, water back-up from basement floor drain, etc.).
  • The plumber is responsible for determining if the problem is in the property owner’s sanitary sewer service or lead. 
  • If the plumber believes the cause is in the sewer main, the plumber should contact Public Works at (989) 779-5401, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (after hours calls should be directed to Central Dispatch at (989) 773-1000).
In January 2002, the State of Michigan passed Public Act 222, a law regarding citizens’ rights to recover damages caused by a sanitary or storm sewer back-up event.  Under the law, if you experience an overflow or back-up of sanitary or storm sewer on your property and damage has occurred, you must file a written claim with the Division of Public Works within 45 days.  While filing a claim does not guarantee that damages will be covered, failure to provide the required written notice will prevent any possible recovery of loss.  If you experience damage to your home or business and/or possessions as a result of a sewer back-up, it is recommended that you consult your homeowner’s insurance policy for coverage of these items.

Filing a claim for damages following a sewer backup: