First, immediately stop all water usage, as backups are typically caused by
plumbing problems within your home or business. Turn off washing machines,
dishwashers, showers, and anything that uses water.
Second call City Hall Monday through Thursday 7AM-5PM, at 231-734-2181. For afterhours emergencies only call 231-250-2071.
What is the City's vs. Property Owner's responsibilities if a backup occurs?
The City maintains the sewer main line. The property owner is responsible for the lateral line to the main connection.
Many factors can cause a sanitary sewer to back up. Sometimes people flush things down their toilet that are not meant to be flushed. Cooking grease can build up on the walls of your sanitary sewer lateral over time if it's disposed down your drain. But the most common cause for a backup is roots. Trees and shrubs need water and nutrients, and what better place than a sewer lateral? The roots will enter the lateral through the joints in the sewer pipe, the roots will grow, and eventually plug the pipe solid.
Yes, provided that the property abuts an existing gravity sewer line. The cost for a new residential or commercial sewer tap in is $1,500.
