Carbondale promotes reimbursement program to prevent sewer backups
FOX23 News at 9 p.m
CARBONDALE, Ill., (KBSI) – Heavy rainfall can overwhelm the sanitary sewer system in Carbondale, allowing stormwater to enter through inflow and infiltration and potentially cause basement backups in homes, the City of Carbondale announced.
The city’s Utilities Department operates an ongoing program to reduce the frequency and severity of sanitary sewer surcharges. City crews, consultant engineers and contractors regularly identify and repair problems within the sanitary sewer infrastructure. Those efforts include sewer main cleaning and televising, smoke testing, stormwater dye testing, and lining manholes and sewer mains to prevent stormwater from entering. Despite these measures, sanitary sewer backups may still occur during intense rainfall.
To provide homeowners additional protection, the city encourages the installation of backflow prevention devices, which can reduce the risk of recurring backups and offer peace of mind.
Residents who have experienced a sanitary sewer backup from a floor drain or other plumbing fixture during or after a heavy rainfall event may qualify for the Sanitary Sewer Backflow Prevention Reimbursement Program. The program allows eligible homeowners to hire a licensed plumber to install a backflow prevention device of their choice, with the city reimbursing 90% of the cost.
To qualify, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be a City of Carbondale sanitary sewer customer.
- Reside in an owner-occupied home.
- Provide documented evidence of a sanitary sewer backup in the basement during or after a significant rainfall event caused by a stormwater surcharge.
- Have a reported backup on file with the Utilities Department that city staff determined was related to a sanitary sewer main issue, not private property plumbing.
- Discuss the issue with the Water & Sewer Supervisor to confirm the cause of the backup.
- Receive Utilities Department approval and obtain a plumbing permit from the Building & Neighborhood Services Department before hiring a plumber, to ensure reimbursement eligibility.
For more information visit the link Water & Sewer | Carbondale, IL.
