SIDE SEWERS - BACKFLOW PREVENTION

Side sewers are pipes that carry wastewater from sinks, toilets, and drains to the public sewer in the street. In some cases, side sewers also carry water from rooftops and gutters. Heavy rainfall or flooding may increase pressure in the public sewer and cause it to back-up into basements and other living spaces. This can lead to exposure to harmful pathogens and pollutants. Backflow prevention devices, such as backwater valves and check valves, can be installed on side sewers to prevent back-ups. Many cities have codes that require property owners to install backflow preventors in certain circumstances. Other cities have programs to help pay for the installation of backflow preventors and reduce the risks of back-ups from the public sewer.