If you have a sewer backup and do not know where the blockage is, call the Utilities Division before you call a drain cleaning company. You may be able to avoid an unnecessary charge if the problem is in the City's sewer line rather than in your property's service line. An employee will determine if the problem is in the City's line or in your property's service line.
Contact the Utilities Division at 952-985-2700 during regular business hours, Monday through Friday between 7:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. On weekends, holidays or after hours, call 911.
Responsibilities
The homeowner is responsible for cleaning any blockage in the service line between the home and the City sanitary main sewer. This includes debris and tree roots. The homeowner is also responsible for cleaning and repairing any damage done to the property by the backup.
The City is not automatically liable for blockages in the City's sanitary sewer system. The City is only liable for those damages if the backup was caused by the City's negligence.
Most homeowner insurance policies exclude damage resulting from sewer backups. Many insurance providers do have insurance riders that can be purchased to insure loss due to sewer backups.
Causes
Sanitary sewer line blockages are typically caused by roots, grease and improper disposal of items.