Sewer Backups

If your sanitary sewer backs up, the Woodbury Utility Division may be your source of help. If the problem is in the main sewer line, city employees will come out to solve the problem. This service is available day or night, seven days a week including holidays. There is no fee for this service.

The city is not responsible for problems in the house or the sewer line between the main sewer and the house. Problems in these areas are the responsibility of the property owner.

Try to determine where the problem is before you call the city. This can be done by checking to see if your neighbor directly across the street is also having a problem. If your neighbor does not have a problem and the water backs up when you use it, the problem is likely in your system. To repair these problems, call a plumber or a sewer cleaning company.

If water is coming up in the house when no water is being used, the problem is most likely in the city's main sewer line.

Contact the Public Works Department at 651-714-3720 between the hours of 7 am and 3:30 pm, Monday through Friday. During other times, emergencies can be reported by calling the Washington County Sheriff's Office at 651-439-9381. The Sheriff's Department will contact one of the city's public works employees to resolve the problem.

Preventing Sewer Backups

Many residential sewer problems can be avoided by having your sewer line cleaned periodically and taking care of what goes into your sewer system. Following are the most common causes of blocked sewers.

• For grease and oils, remember to store grease in a container and dispose of hardened grease in the trash. Use the garbage disposal sparingly, and flush with plenty of water.
• When using paper products, put them in the trash, not the toilet. These items do not dissolve.
• With lint and hair, screen all drains and use a lint trap on your laundry hose.
• Always avoid planting trees or shrubs over your sewer line. Roots are the number one problem in residential sanitary sewer systems.