What about clean water connections to the sewer with a backflow preventer?

Clean water connections to a separated sanitary sewer are strictly prohibited and must be removed. The City has a grant program to provide financial assistance with removing sources of clean water connections from either a separated sanitary or combined sewer. Please contact the Utility Department for more information or view the Clean Water Removal page.

If you are in the combined sewer area and have clean water connections to your sewer lateral such as a perimeter foundation tile, down spouts from gutters, or a sump pump; you are strongly encouraged to remove these clean water connections from your sewer lateral prior to installing a backflow preventer. If these are not removed prior to installing a backflow preventer, you may cause your basement to flood due to the volume of clean water being generated from your own residence. Should the backflow preventer close due to the sewer surcharge, your sewer lateral will fill up with clean water and reduce the storage capacity for your waste water and possibly cause a wet basement.

Show All Answers

1. How can my basement flood with sewage?
2. How can a backflow preventer stop sewage from entering my basement?
3. Is a backflow preventer required by the City?
4. What about clean water connections to the sewer with a backflow preventer?
5. What about maintenance?
6. Is there any financial assistance available for a backflow preventer?
7. What if I have more questions?