Sewer Backup

What is a sewer backup?

The backup of sewage through the drains in your home or business is an unpleasant experience.  Sewer backups happen when sewage and/or dirty water or wastewater come up a sink, toilet or drain.  This usually happens when something blocks the sewer pipe and prevents wastewater from flowing freely.  Sewer backups need to be reported and cleaned quickly to eliminate exposure to potentially harmful bacteria and viruses. 

What to do if you have a sewer backup:

1. Contact the City of Oak Grove Public Works Department

     During business hours 816-690-3773 x 1008
     After business hours 816-215-9890

They will respond to assess the situation, if water does not recede, it may be necessary for you to contact a professional plumber to have your home's service line cleared.

2. Immediate Cleanup Procedures

     
      Use caution when conducting the clean-up serious health complications are possible when dealing with sewage

• Wear rubber gloves and rubber boots
• Use caution when using any electrical appliances in a wet environment
• Do not attempt to shut off electricity if the breaker box is wet or near any water
• Remove standing water using tools such as an approved shop vac, squeegee, push broom
• Air out the room - by opening windows and using fans this helps to dry out wet areas
• Clean carpets either professionally or rent the equipment
• Use a disinfectant on hard surfaces such as bleach or other type of mold/mildew cleaner

Please note: City crews are unable to assist in the clean-up of private residences and furnishings.

3.  Preventing future backups

Sewer blockages generally occur as a result of improper items entering the sewer line.  Sanitary sewers are designed to handle human waste.  They were not designed to handle anything else, and the city is not responsible for foreign items entering the system.

4.  Insurance Claims

In most cases, the city's insurance will not reimburse homeowners for damages. There must be evidence that the City of Oak Grove has been negligent for an insurance claim to be honored.  Records should be kept for homeowner's insurance claims including photographs, videos, receipts, and itemized descriptions of damages.

If you do choose to register a claim with the city, contact Public Works Director at 816-690-3773 ext. 1008 or email calford@cityofoakgrove.com.