Sewer Backup Helpful Tips & Policy

If your residence experiences a sewer back-up, please consider these helpful tips.

Call the City first at 630-454-2450, or during non-business hours or weekends call the non-emergency number for the Batavia Police Department, 630-454-2500.

The problem might be in the City's main line. By calling the City first, it could save you the price of hiring a private plumber. If the problem is in your own service line, the City can provide guidance in hiring a plumber. The City has emergency response personnel 24 hours per day.

Check your insurance policy to determine if you are covered for sanitary sewer back-up and/or sump pump failure. Many homeowners' policies do not cover sewer back-ups or water damage unless you have purchased a special provision for this purpose.

If you experience a sewer back-up follow these guidelines for repairs and clean-up.

1. Call the City first at 630-454-2450, or during non-business hours or weekends call the non-emergency number for the Batavia Police Department, 630-454-2500.

2. Always call YOUR insurance company to report any damage to your property or possessions.

3.T he City of Batavia's insurance company will make a determination if the City is responsible for damages caused by a sewer backup.

Important Contacts

The following contact numbers for the City of Batavia are recommended to have in the event of a sewer backup:

  • Water / Sewer Superintendent: Jeremy Barkei
  • Phone: 630-454-2452
  • Finance Department Insurance Claim Questions: Phone: 630-454-2032
  • Public Works Director: Gary Holm
    Phone: 630-454-2309
  • Water / Sewer Department Administrative Assistant: Lisa Lally
    Phone: 630-454-2450
    Fax: 630-454-2401

Be safe when working in areas contaminated by sanitary sewer backups or floodwater.

City of Batavia Sewer Cleaning and Rodding Policy

All costs and expenses incident to the installation and connection of the building sewers shall be borne by the building owner. The owner shall indemnify the city from any loss or damage that may directly or indirectly be occasioned by the installation of the building sewer.

1. Limits Of Responsibility For Maintenance And Repair: a. The building owner shall be responsible for all normal maintenance and repair of the building sewer. This responsibility includes that portion of the sanitary service line between the lot line where the building is located and the city's sanitary sewer main ("right of way" or "ROW").

b. The city will share fifty% (50%) of the cost with the property owner of right of way (ROW) rodding that is necessary and that occurs within 12 (12) months after the lot owner has paid for an initial ROW rodding.

C. The city will pay 1 hundred% (100%) of the cost for additional right of way (ROW) roddings after 2 ROW roddings in the same 12 (12) month period.

d. To qualify for city cost sharing, all ROW roddings must be performed by a professional qualified sewer cleaning company and evidenced by written documentation and invoices in accordance with city policy.

e. The city will be responsible for the total cost of repairs to the sanitary service line in the ROW where a certified plumber is not able to break through a blockage, if there are structural problems with the sanitary service line, or where the service line requires rodding more than 2 times in 2 or more consecutive years. (Ordinance 06-21, 5-1-2006, eff. 5-15-2006)