The Town generally is not responsible for damage caused when a sewer backs up
into a home or business. For several years, the Town has given notice to customers
warning of certain conditions which could cause a structure to be exposed to sewer
backup. Most customers have acted on those warnings. Some have not.

A backup may occur if customers dispose of grease down the sink. The grease
then gathers in the sewer main line, eventually causing a stoppage. This results in
sewage backing up the main line. The town cannot anticipate where a grease clog will
occur and the line must be cleaned out.

Introduction of grease into the sanitary sewer is prohibited by Town Ordinance
and a substantial fine may be levied if the person who dumps grease can be identified.
However, every customer needs to be aware of certain conditions within the home which
may expose the line to backup. These conditions can be addressed by the customer.

IF YOU HAVE A DRAIN OR PLUMBING FIXTURE IN YOUR HOUSE
THAT IS LOWER THAN THE NEAREST UPSTREAM MANHOLE OF THE
SEWER, YOU ARE AT RISK FOR A BACKUP. Basement drains or commodes,
drains in rooms in walkout basements or the lower level of a tri-level home would be
examples of such conditions. However, they are not the only “at risk” types of homes.

If you have such a drain or fixture and a clog occurs, the sewage will travel up the
pipes into the home before it can reach the top of the upstream manhole and discharge.
This may happen because the drain or fixture is lower than the manhole.

There are devices that can be placed on or in the line to give protection against a
backup. A licensed professional can advise on such devices and their proper installation
and maintenance. It is the responsibility of the property owner to decide the need for
sewer backup protection and to provide additional homeowner insurance coverage. The
Town will be pleased to assist the customer, but the ultimate responsibility rests with the
customer to determine if the home is “at risk” and to decide what action should be taken
for protection.

If you have any questions, please contact the Sewer Department at 853-7496
between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. In case of an
emergency, please call 853-6412.

Newburgh Sewer Department