The Onondaga County Department of Water Environment Protection is contracted to maintain the sewage system in the Town of DeWitt.  They are on duty 24-hours a day, seven days a week!  If you see or suspect a sewer overflow, call (315) 435-3157.  A maintenance crew will be dispatched to the address. 

Sewer back-ups are a rare, but frustrating experience for property owners.  In the Town of DeWitt, the property owner is responsible for maintenance of the lateral sewer line from the clean out, which is usually located near the property line, to the house.  The Town is responsible for maintaining the main sewer line and that portion of the lateral within the public right-of-way. 

The County and Town will respond and investigate all sewer back-ups.  If there is a problem with the main line, the Town will make sure the problem is addressed and repaired as soon as possible. However, if the problem is within the privately owned portion of the lateral, the property owner will be informed and advised to call a licensed plumber. A problem or condition within the Town’s responsible sewer that results in property damage is not always the fault of the Town.  The Town’s obligation is to respond when it is notified of a problem. Fortunately, property owners can help to prevent sewer back-ups. 

• Do not plant trees or large shrubs near sewer lines.
• If you notice slow drainage, have your lines cleared to increase drainage from the property into the main line.
• Dispose of grease and fats in the trash, not down the drain.
• Dispose of diapers and other hygiene products with the trash.
• Bones and food scraps should be ground before putting in sink, if you do not have a disposer, put items in the trash. 
• Consult a licensed plumber to undo any illegal connections to the sanitary sewer; such as backyard drains, sump pumps or other flood control systems (these should be connected to the storm water drainage system).
• Consider installing a back-flow valve (preventor) into your sewer system. A properly installed valve can significantly reduce the likelihood of wastewater entering your home. 
• Many homeowner insurers offer an endorsement to cover sewer back-up claims.