Accumulation of fats, oil and grease, or other debris thrown in the sewer system.  Tree roots intrusion is another major issue for both the private and public sewer lines.  Flushing items down the toilet that are too large for sewer lines to handle—such as toys and sanitary napkins—can cause backups.   Another cause of blockages within the City’s sewer system is from leaves, sticks, rocks, bricks, wood, clothing, toys and trash thrown into the sewer
system or curb side catch basins.

Call the Utilities Department (217-228-4520) if you notice any vandalism of sewer lines or manholes.  This way, the debris can be removed before it causes a backup.

• Do not dump cooking oils, butter, margarine or grease down your garbage disposal or any household drain.  Not only could it accumulate in city lines, but also it could build up in your own lines, eventually requiring the services of a plumber.
• Avoid use of a side mounted garbage disposal.  Throw all food scraps in your solid waste container or compost.
• Do not flush disposable diapers, sanitary napkins or tampon applicators down the toilet even if labels indicate that you can do so.  Besides plugging your neighbors and your sewer lines, these items could damage your plumbing system.
• Do not blow or throw leaves, branches, grass, rocks, bricks or other debris down the sewer system or on city streets.
• Remember, putting any grease, diapers, sanitary products, yard waste or tree limbs down the sewer system could cause your neighbors basement to have a sewage backup.

Call The Utilities Department at 217-228-4520.  Our staff will inspect the city’s sewer system.   If a problem is in the city’s sewer system, the city will take corrective action.

A quick check with nearby neighbors will help you determine if the blockage is widespread or limited to just your home.

Homeowners are encouraged to carry sewer backup insurance as part of their homeowner’s policy. Limits should be reviewed, to ensure adequate coverage. 

Other precautions that can be taken:

By ordinance, sump pumps must not be connected to the public sanitary sewer system.  Make sure roof drains and down spouts extend away from the house.   Installing backflow preventers on the building sewer lines stops water from
flowing backward and can prevent future issues. 

If your sewer starts to drain slowly or backup slightly, have the problem checked out by a plumber immediately.  

Most often the cost for cleanup is the responsibility of the homeowner, even if it is related to a situation in the main sewer line.

The Illinois Tort Immunity Act generally exempts the City from fault related to basement flooding damages.

The public sewer system is not considered defective if the sewage backup was caused by a rain event greater than what the sewage system was designed to carry.

If you experience a sewer backup in your home, please contact the Utilities Department at 228-4520.