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Sewer Backups
When wastewater can’t move freely through the Sewer System due to a blockage or break, it can cause sewer backups into your home and flooding in local neighborhoods. The most common cause of sewer backups in New York City is blocked pipes due to the improper disposal of grease, wipes and other items down toilets and sinks.
- Visit Trash It. Don’t Flush It. to learn more about how to properly dispose of grease, wipes, and other trash
- Visit Flood Prevention to to learn more about the causes of street flooding and what you can do to prevent it
Report Sewer Backups to 311
If raw sewage is backing up into your home, report it immediately to 311 or fill in this online form.
You must provide your contact information so we can contact you, if necessary. We will not be able to investigate your complaint without accurate contact information. Please keep records of your 311 Tracking Number (begins with 311- ) and DEP Customer Service Request Number (CSR#), if you receive one.
Cleaning up After Sewer Backup
It is important to thoroughly clean and disinfect inside your home after a flood or sewer backup. Floodwater may contain sewage water and germs. Direct exposure may infect your eyes, skin, stomach or intestines.
Learn more about Sewer Backup and Flood Clean-Up.
How We Respond to Sewer Backup Complaints
We will inspect the location within six hours of receiving the 311 complaint. Heavy rainfall or large snowmelts may cause inspection delays.
If we confirm a backup in the City’s sewer system, we will start the repair process. If we cannot confirm the location or cause of the backup, we may perform a flush of the system to ensure it is working properly.
If we confirm the backup was due to an issue with your private sewer service line, you will be issued a Notice to Repair. Property owners own and are responsible for maintaining and repairing their sewer service line, which connects their property to the City’s sewer main in the street. Repairs could be covered under your homeowners insurance or our Service Line Protection Program, if you are currently enrolled.
If you believe the City was at fault for damages incurred during a sewer backup, please contact the New York City Comptroller’s Office within 90 days to file a claim. If the condition occurred during heavy rain, you do not need a DEP Customer Service Request Number (CSR#) to file a claim with the Comptroller’s Office against the City.
Property Owner Responsibility for Sewer Service Lines
Property owners are responsible for maintaining and repairing their sewer service lines, which connect their property to the City’s sewer main in the street. Repairs could be covered under your homeowners insurance or our Service Line Protection Program, if you are currently enrolled.
What We Do to Prevent Sewer Backups
Over the last decade, we have embraced a data-driven, proactive approach to operating and maintaining the Sewer System. We operate and maintain 7,500 miles of sewer lines and 148,000 catch basins. By using a range of digital tools and innovative practices, we have developed targeted programs to provide a high level of service to our customers while focusing on investments that will prioritize our resources.
We need the help of all New York City residents to keep our sewer system running properly. Flushing grease, wipes, and other items down the drain can lead to blockages down the line, which is why we launched the “Trash It. Don’t Flush It.” behavior change campaign.