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Have you ever experienced a sanitary sewer backup or overflow? Luckily, most sewer backups and overflows can be prevented with a progres- sive preventive maintenance program. Sewer backups and overflows are frequently caused by improper materials such as fats, oils and grease being placed into the sewer system by the customer. Fats, oils and grease are lighter than water, so they tend to accumulate at the top and sides of the sewer pipes and can build up until a blockage occurs. If a blockage happens the sewer backs up or overflows resulting in property damage. By reducing the amount of fats, oils and grease that enter the sewer system from your home, you can help to protect the environment by prevent- ing sewer backups and overflows. If experiencing a sewer backup call the City of Kalispell Public Works Department immediately before calling a plumber or a roto rooter service. Sewer personnel will be dispatched to determine if the City main is the source of the problem. You may save the cost of a plumber. Public Works Department: [PHONE REDACTED] After Hours: Contact [PHONE REDACTED] and follow the prompt to speak with dispatch. Most sewer backups occur in the private service line between the house and the City’s sewer main, where the property owner is responsible for cor- recting the problem. Avoiding blockages means avoiding plumbing bills. Help Prevent Backups Certain items should not be disposed of in the sani- tary sewer system. The following items should be disposed of in your trash can, NOT in the sanitary sewer system. Diapers Cooking Grease Paper Towels Food Feminine Hygiene Products Who Pays for the Damage? Did you know that most basic homeowner’s insur- ance policies do not cover sewer or basement drain backups? In most cases, additional coverage needs to be added to the policy to protect homeowners. Contact your insurance agent for more information on adding this to your policy. In general, the City is only responsible if it is negligent in maintaining its sewer mains. BE KIND TO YOUR SEWER SYSTEM—THE FACTS YOU SHOULD KNOW... City of Kalispell Public Works Department—201 1st Avenue East-Kalispell, MT—[PHONE REDACTED]