In case of an emergency sewer back-up, please call 616.355.1643.
After Business Hours, please call 616.355.1500.

If you have experienced a sewer back-up, and believe the City of Holland and/or the Holland Board of Public Works is responsible, then you are required under Michigan Public Act 222 of 2001 to contact the City of Holland and/or the Holland Board of Public Works.  The City is required to send you a claim form, even though the City may not be responsible for your problem.  This allows you to provide proper notice to the City of a possible claim for damages as a result of a sewer backup.  The completed claim form must be mailed to: City of Holland, City Clerk’s Office, 270 S. River Avenue, Holland, MI 49423.

The Holland Board of Public Works has a detailed policy regarding how Residential Sanitary Sewer Backups are handled.  Important highlights from the Residential Sanitary Sewer Backups (#WW-14) are as follows:

1. Since customers experiencing a sewage backup cannot determine whether the backup is caused by an obstruction in the service lateral or in the public main, the customer may call either a plumber or the HBPW for assistance. If a customer calls a plumber for a public main backup problem, the BPW reimburses the customer’s ordinary and reasonable expense for a plumber’s service.
2. The HBPW provides cleanup and disinfection of sewage to customers affected by a public sewer main backup.
1. You may hire a contractor of your choice to provide the cleanup and disinfection services. A list of contractors is available from the HBPW or by searching in the Phone Book under “Water & Fire Damage Restoration”.
2. You may then submit the cleaning and disinfection bills to the HBPW for reimbursement.
3. You will need to provide verification from your insurance company indicating what cleaning expenses they have or will cover.
3. Damages not covered by the customer’s insurance are reviewed by the City’s insurance claim adjuster for payment authorization. You will need documentation from your insurance company.

Customers should refer to the full Residential Sanitary Sewer Backups policy for comprehensive information on this issue.

Failure to provide the required Notice may prevent recovery of damages.

If you experience an overflow or backup of a sewage disposal system or storm water system, and you intend to file a claim, your claim must be made in writing within 45 days after the date of damage or physical injury was discovered.  The written notice must contain your name, address, telephone number, the address of the affected property, the date of discovery of any property damages or physical injury, and a brief description of the claim.

Public Act 170 of 1964, as amended by Public Act 222 of 2001, requires that if you are seeking compensation for personal injury or property damage, then you must show that the sewage disposal system had a defect; that the appropriate government agency knew, or reasonably should have known, about the defect; that the defect was not remedied by the government agency in a reasonable amount of time; that the property damage or personal injury resulted because of the defect; AND that you own and have related the value of the damaged personal property.

Act 170 of 1964, as amended is Sections 691.1416 through 691.1619 of the Michigan Compiled Laws (MCL).

Why did sewage back up in my house?

The vast majority of sewer back-ups occur in older sections of the City sanitary sewer system that was constructed with clay tile pipe prior to 1950. Clay tile is a very hard material, but is also very brittle. Shifting of the ground over time can cause cracks in the pipe and joints to partially separate allowing tree roots to enter into the sewer main in search of a water source during dry periods. These roots continue to grow and restrict the flow of wastewater in the pipe. They also provide an excellent point for grease to accumulate which eventually blocks the flow.

City maintenance crews cut roots and clean the city sewer lines on a regular basis.  However, customer service lines that are also constructed of clay tile have the same root growth issue. These lines are the responsibility of the customer. The City continues to identify, fund, and rehabilitate the public sanitary sewer mains throughout the city.

It is important for all customers to control what goes into the sewer. Sewers are designed to carry away wasted water and human waste.  They are not designed to be garbage disposals.  The Holland Board of Public Works recommends placing disposable wipes in the garbage, and not in the toilet.  Even most products labeled as 'flushable' are not recommended to be sent down the sewer because too many wipes flushed at once cause problems in private sewer services or sewage lift stations.   Flushable wipes could take years or decades to break down in the system.  Please refer to this Consumer Reports video regarding flushable wipes.

Please do not put excessive food waste, greases, rags/towels, or any automotive products down the sewer drains. Flammable materials can cause explosions if gases travel through the sewer pipes to an open floor drain near a pilot light such as the one on your hot water tank or furnace.  Keep all drain traps filled with water to prevent sewer gases from entering the residence.

Another common reason for sewer back-ups is excessive wet weather water entering the sewer system which takes up pipe capacity and backs up customers in lower elevations. While the City is actively working to reduce the amount of ground water that can enter into sewer pipes and manholes, customers must be aware of illegal connections made to the sanitary sewers that are designed to remove foundation. Sump pumps, foundation drains, and downspout connections, are explicitly prohibited by plumbing codes and city ordinance. These sources of water into the sewer mains only worsens your's or your neighbors’ situation during rain events.  Please review our page on Illicit Connections to the sanitary sewer.

If you have experienced frequent backups, you may want to consider installing a backwater valve on your sewer service to prevent sewage from entering your home or business from the public sewer main.  Please see our informative page on backwater valves.

Sanitary Sewer Service

Your sewer service between the house and the public main in the street may need to be repaired or replaced.  This is the customer's responsibility.  We recommend contacting the Holland Board of public Works' Wastewater Collection Department at 616.355.1643 to learn any information about your private sewer service.  We keep records on most sanitary sewer services in our system.  Here is an example of one record.  We recommend haiving your sewer service scoped with a camera to determine the extent of the repairs necessary to your sewer service.  Many licensed plumbers provide this service.  If you decide to replace your sewer service, then you should hire a licensed plumber to perform the work, and get price quotes from multiple contractors.  A plumbing permit from your local Building Department is required to repair or replace your sewer service.

If your sewer service is made of Orangeburg pipe, please see our informative page on Orangeburg.

Backup Do's and Don'ts

Do's

• Locate and keep accessible the sewer cleanout. If you do not have a cleanout, have one installed by a plumber.  The cleanout is the property owner’s responsibility.
• Check your homeowner’s insurance policy.  If you are not covered for back-ups, call your agent for information on costs and coverage options.  Most insurance companies offer a rider for water damage or failure of a sump pump.  If you experience a back-up, save all receipts related to any repair, cleaning, or damages.  Take a lot of pictures with descriptions of where the damage occured.

 Don'ts

• Put diapers, sanitary napkins, or condoms in the toilet.
• Dispose of grease down the drain.
• Plant trees near sewer lines.
• Connect clean water drains or sump pumps to the sanitary sewer system.