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Preventing Future Backups

Sky with RainbowMSD has initiated a new Water-In-Basement Prevention Program to identify and eliminate sewer-related backups into homes,businesses and other properties. The following property owners may be eligible for this program:

  • Property owners who have contacted MSD multiple times since 1987 for sewer backups caused by the public sewer.
  • Property owners who have experienced a Water-In-Basement incident since January 1, 2004.
  • Property owners who have experienced sewer backups in the
    past and believe they are due to problems in the public sewer (not their private lateral)
Flood-Gate backwater valve (Click to enlarge)
Reprinted with permission from J.R. Smith Manufacturing Company, Montgomery, AL, www.jrsmith.com

If you have not been contacted about this program, you may contact Pete Caldwell of MSD at: (513) 557-7095 to initiate the process. Before determining eligibility, all property owners must fill out a questionnaire regarding the history of their sewer backups. Once this step has been completed, MSD will either initiate a property investigation or advise the property owner why his or her property is not a good candidate for this program.

Once you have been approved for the Prevention Program, MSD will consider a number of possible alternatives for eliminating the problem and recommend the best solution. These alternatives may include:

  • Installation of backflow prevention devices
  • Installation of self-contained pumping system, including ejector and grinder pumps
  • Waterproofing of affected floors and re-grading of yards
  • Improvements to plumbing and electrical systems to support modifications

Exterior Grinder Pump (Click to enlarge)The modifications will be performed at no cost to the property owner; however the property owner must agree to the modifications and allow MSD reasonable and timely access to their property.

MSD will need up to two years to evaluate, design and construct a remedy for your property that will effectively prevent future sewer backups. During that time period, you must refrain from storing personal property in your basement and from installing new Interior Grinder Pump (Click to enlarge)carpeting, flooring, or drywall below the previously documented high water line, or less than two feet above the basement floor. MSD is not responsible for damages caused by subsequent floods that may occur during the two-year Prevention Program response period.

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