Sewer Backup Relief Programs
GPSD is fortunate to experience few sewer backups caused by GPSD-owned infrastructure.
Most of the sewer backups customers experience are a result of issues in the owner's lateral line. If the backup occurred in the private sanitary sewer (from the building to the point of connection with the publicly owned sewer), the property owner is responsible for all maintenance and repair. Issues are commonly caused by: tree roots, "flushable" wipes (NEVER flush wipes, even if labeled "flushable"), accumulations of fats/oils/grease, and failed pipes.
To help prevent sewer backups, some measures owners can take, include:
Most of the sewer backups customers experience are a result of issues in the owner's lateral line. If the backup occurred in the private sanitary sewer (from the building to the point of connection with the publicly owned sewer), the property owner is responsible for all maintenance and repair. Issues are commonly caused by: tree roots, "flushable" wipes (NEVER flush wipes, even if labeled "flushable"), accumulations of fats/oils/grease, and failed pipes.
To help prevent sewer backups, some measures owners can take, include:
- Maintain your private sanitary sewer (prevent tree roots, repair broken pipes, etc.)
- Dispose of grease properly (NOT in the drain)
- Dispose of paper products properly (NO feminine products, diapers, paper towels, or ANY wipes should enter the sewer. DO NOT flush these products.)
- Seal any cracks in your foundation and waterproof your basement
- Do not connect French drains, sump pumps, or other flood control systems to your sanitary sewer.
Available GPSD Programs
Despite the few issues that GPSD experiences, there are two backup relief programs that may be generally available to owners:
Gravity Sewer Disconnection Program
GPSD adopted a policy in 1994 that prohibits gravity sewer service to basements for all new construction. For all construction prior to 1994, the District offers a cost-sharing program to assist property owners in modifying building plumbing in order to meet current requirements. This is an effective method to eliminate sewer backup under almost all conditions. The cost-sharing program pays 75% of the conversion costs (up to a maximum District contribution of $3,500) per location.
If interested in obtaining an application, please contact the District’s Planning and Construction Department at 309-272-4844.
Non-Wet Weather Related Cost Assistance
If the backup occurred in the public sanitary sewer and not due to wet weather conditions (such as heavy rainfall), GPSD will investigate the problem and take appropriate action (i.e. clean and televise the line, schedule repair for broken piping, etc.). The property owner may be offered the District’s sewer backup reimbursement program, which reimburses paid expenses up to $5,000 (updated November 28, 2023).
If interested in applying, please download the application by clicking the button below and also contact the District’s Administration Department at 309-272-4810 to discuss eligibility.
Gravity Sewer Disconnection Program
GPSD adopted a policy in 1994 that prohibits gravity sewer service to basements for all new construction. For all construction prior to 1994, the District offers a cost-sharing program to assist property owners in modifying building plumbing in order to meet current requirements. This is an effective method to eliminate sewer backup under almost all conditions. The cost-sharing program pays 75% of the conversion costs (up to a maximum District contribution of $3,500) per location.
If interested in obtaining an application, please contact the District’s Planning and Construction Department at 309-272-4844.
Non-Wet Weather Related Cost Assistance
If the backup occurred in the public sanitary sewer and not due to wet weather conditions (such as heavy rainfall), GPSD will investigate the problem and take appropriate action (i.e. clean and televise the line, schedule repair for broken piping, etc.). The property owner may be offered the District’s sewer backup reimbursement program, which reimburses paid expenses up to $5,000 (updated November 28, 2023).
If interested in applying, please download the application by clicking the button below and also contact the District’s Administration Department at 309-272-4810 to discuss eligibility.
Note regarding insurance claims:
The Greater Peoria Sanitary District recommends that individual property owners discuss specific needs with their insurance company. Flood and basement/sewer backup coverage is typically not included in basic insurance plans and would need to be added as additional coverage, if desired.
The District will file a claim with the District’s insurance carrier if the property owner requests it. Claims resulting from periods of wet weather are typically denied if there was no negligence on behalf of the District, but that would be a matter between the property owner and the District’s insurance carrier. The District simply gives the contact information to the insurance carrier to investigate.
The Greater Peoria Sanitary District recommends that individual property owners discuss specific needs with their insurance company. Flood and basement/sewer backup coverage is typically not included in basic insurance plans and would need to be added as additional coverage, if desired.
The District will file a claim with the District’s insurance carrier if the property owner requests it. Claims resulting from periods of wet weather are typically denied if there was no negligence on behalf of the District, but that would be a matter between the property owner and the District’s insurance carrier. The District simply gives the contact information to the insurance carrier to investigate.
As always, you may contact the District for further information on any of the above information.
1. Emergency Number: (309) 370-8088 (only for an emergency)
2. Planning and Construction: (309) 272-4844 (for general information)
1. Emergency Number: (309) 370-8088 (only for an emergency)
2. Planning and Construction: (309) 272-4844 (for general information)