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Sewer Separation Program — Preventing Future Backups
Overview
MSD's Sewer Separation Program (SSP) began in 2001 and is specifically designed to
prevent the occurrence of basement backups due to overcharged sewers caused by
insufficient public sewer capacity.
The program involves modifying the private lateral line connecting the home or business
to the public sewer. The modifications to the private property are intended to isolate the
property from the overcharged public sewer. The modifications are performed at no cost
to the property owner. However, the property owner must agree to the modifications and
remove all storm water connections to the lateral. In addition, they must allow MSD
access to their property for installation and on -going maintenance.
Eligibility Criteria
Current eligibility criteria for participation in MSD's SSP is to have experienced two
overcharged sewer related backup events. The program does not apply to those
properties where the cause of the basement flooding is due to overland flow, lack of
maintenance of the sewer lateral by the property owner, or temporary public sewer
maintenance issues such as a blocked main. Once installed, the SSP device belongs to
the property owner. MSD will provide necessary routine maintenance to the device.
The Process
An MSD field engineer conducts an initial review to determine if the property is eligible
for inclusion in the Sewer Separation Program. This can consist of reviewing
maintenance history for the property and a preliminary site visit. Once it has been
determined that the property is eligible for the Program, the following process is
performed.
1) An MSD field engineer will meet with the property owner and conduct a
comprehensive investigation of the property. The goal of the investigation is to
identify the cause of the backups and determine the appropriate solution. The
investigation may involve the following:
• Locating the private sewer line that connects the building to the public
sewer and televising the interior condition of the pipe.
• Dye testing all identified storm water connections such as gutters,
downspouts and exterior drains.
• Collecting information on the property's drainage, layout and
construction.
• Measuring elevations of the basement relative to the main public sewer
line.
• Televising the public sewer line to determine its condition.
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Sewer Separation Program — Preventing Future Backups
2) Using the information gathered during the comprehensive investigation, the field
engineer will identify a solution specific to the property in order to prevent future
backups from occurring. There are several types of SSP devices that are available
for installation based on the severity of the sewer backup problem. The most
commonly installed devices are the Backwater Prevention Device and the Grinder
Pump:
Backwater Prevention Device
This device is an extendable backwater valve that prevents sewage
backup into a residence or business as a result of an overcharged
public sewer. It is designed to be easily installed outside a home or
other structure and will be readily accessible for maintenance or
cleaning. The extendable valve consists of a tee -shaped valve body,
a top collar, and a bottom collar with a replaceable PVC flapper
attached. In the event of back -pressure, the flapper blocks reverse
flow and prevents sewage backup.
Grinder Pump
This device is a 2 horsepower sewage grinder pump that is installed
outside a home or other structure and will be readily accessible for
maintenance or cleaning. It is enclosed within a fiberglass tank
approximately 30 inches in diameter and nearly flush with the ground
level. The tank has a watertight removable lid locked in place by
removable nuts and bolts. The Iid is typically fiberglass but may be
metal if located in a heavy traffic area. The grinder pump requires an
electric control panel which includes a motor starter circuit, control
circuit and alarm circuit. The control or alarm panel may be located in
a remote location outside of the structure preferably within sight of the
system.
On occasion, the extendable backwater valve can be used in
conjunction with a grinder pump system.
3) Once the appropriate device has been selected, the MSD field engineer will meet
with the property owner to review the selected device and the installation process.
4) The property owner will be required to sign a release Agreement accepting the
proposed modifications to the private house lateral. This contract not only binds
MSD and the current property owner to the agreement, but also any future
property owners. By signing the SSP release, the property owner agrees to the
terms and conditions associated with the Sewer Separation Program.
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Sewer Separation Program — Preventing Future Backups
5) Upon receipt of the executed Release, MSD will schedule the installation of the
device. During construction, the property owner must allow sufficient access to
the property receiving the SSP device.
MSD Routine Maintenance Inspection Program
Backwater Prevention Device:
• MSD will perform a semi-annual inspection and cleaning. Maintenance and
repairs will be performed by MSD employees or authorized contractors at no
expense to the property owner.
Grinder Pump Device:
• MSD will provide an annual inspection and cleaning. Maintenance and repairs
will be performed by MSD employees or authorized contractors at no expense to
the property owner.
Emergency Maintenance or Repairs
MSD will provide emergency inspection and repair services for customers with a SSP
device. Customers having a problem with the device are asked to contact MSD's
Customer Care Center at 314.768.6260 to request an inspection. MSD will dispatch a
service crew to resolve the issue.
Customers may be responsible for a $100.00 deductible per service inspection call event.
Especially, if MSD determines the problem was caused by the customer or the customer's
lateral line. An event is defined as any time a service crew or contractor is dispatched by
MSD to the property for service outside of the maintenance schedule described above.
This charge will be added to the customer's next bill.
Any repair needed pertaining to the call will be paid for by MSD, less the $100.00
deductible. MSD will not pay for repairs to damaged devices that are the result of any
modifications or discharges of unacceptable waste materials by the property owner which
affect the operation of the device. MSD will not reimburse for services provided by
private plumbers or not initiated by the District's Customer Care Center.
Post Installation Basement Backup Assistance
If a property continues to experience backups after the device has been installed, an
investigation will be performed by MSD's staff. The property owner will still be eligible
for Basement Backup insurance claims if it is determined that the backup was caused by
a defect in the device or improper installation. Backups with other causes may not be
covered by the Basement Backup insurance.
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