If Sewage Surcharges into your Home

Occasionally, sanitary sewer pipes fail or become blocked, causing sewage to back-up through plumbing fixtures such as set tubs, toilets, or washing machine drains. If you reside in an MDC member town and are serviced by our sanitary sewer collection system, call the MDC command center immediately at 860-278-7850 and press 1, if a back-up occurs.

For your guidance please read the 37A form to assist you until our first responders arrive at your location.

After receiving your call, the MDC will dispatch its first responders to investigate the sewer issue. If we determine the backup is due to a blockage in the MDC's main sewer, our first responders will arrange for an MDC crew to restore service, by cleaning and/or repairing the main sewer. Our command center will dispatch a claims agent to to ensure all reasonable efforts are made so your home is habitable during this event.

If, however, our first responder determines the blockage is not in the main sewer, he/she will inform you that the problem is in the house connection (the sewer line that runs from your house to the main sewer) and the 37A form will be given to you and clearly explained. Since maintenance of the house connection line is your responsibility as a property owner, our first responder will discuss your options as outlined in the 37A form. The MDC cannot reimburse a homeowner for costs incurred through the hiring of a plumber or sewer cleaner/rodder.

Remember it is imperative that you call the MDC command center first. This important step could save you unnecessary expense as well as give you the proper guidance and coverage under difficult circumstances. The MDC will NOT assume liability if the property owner, licensed plumber, drain layer or sewer cleaner does NOT call the MDC before performing any work.