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1. What is the City of Spearfish's responsibility regarding private sewer laterals?

The property owner is fully responsible for maintaining adequate sewage flow to and through the sewer lateral, from the property structure to and into the sewer main. When failure or stoppage of a sewer lateral occurs, it is the owner's responsibility to hire a contractor to clear the blockage.

2. What if my sewer backs up?

It is the responsibility of the property owner to call a plumber or sewer/drain cleaning service to correct the problem. The property owner is responsible for maintaining adequate flow to and through the sewer lateral from the property structure and into the sewer main. If your plumber or sewer/drain cleaning service believes the blockage is in the sewer main, the City will respond as quickly as possible and keep you informed of the progress.

Your plumber or sewer/drain cleaning service can contact the City at 605-642-1325 or after hours at 605-642-1300.

3. What about the mess?

A sewer backup can lead to disease, destruction of valuables, damage to your house and electrical malfunctions. Prompt cleanup of affected property can help minimize the inconvenience and damage.

Please review the following regarding the mess:

• The property owner is responsible for contacting and taking care of cleanup on their premises.
• The property owner should then contact their own private insurance agent and submit a claim for their damages. After their carrier pays the damages, if they feel it was negligence on the City of Spearfish’s part, they will subrogate against the City’s insurance carrier to recoup damages and return the deductible to the property owner.
• All property owners should contact their insurance agent in regards to the sewer backup endorsement. This is an endorsement that can be purchased on their homeowner’s policy, but is generally not covered on a standard form.