Providing Mobile with superior water

and sewer service, MAWSS is committed

to protecting public health as well as
the health of our environment. Public
educational efforts like this brochure and
our Its Easy to be Ungreasy Grease
Recycling Program are effective ways

P RO T EC T
YO U R H O M E
& BUsinEss
prevent sewer backup
contamination

to prevent sewer problems and keep our

environment clean. To learn more,
visit our website or call us. Our customer
care teams are always available to
answer your questions.

694.3100 www.mawss.com

A message of public courtesy from

30145-I-0011

What is sewer backup?

Although sewer backup is rare and MAWSS

sewer system is constructed to protect
customers as best as possible from sewage
backup, it is important that you make sure
you are protected.

Sanitary Sewer
Manhole
Cover

CURB

NORMAL FLOW

Downstream
Sanitary Sewer
Manhole
STREET
Sanitary Sewer Main

Sewer backup occurs when a sewer line

becomes full and backs up in the opposite
direction of normal flow. If your home or
business is not properly protected, raw
sewage can move out of the main sewer line
and into your home or business, causing
significant damage.

Building may
or may not have
cleanout

STREET

Sanitary Sewer
Lateral

Building
Lateral
Connection
to Main

Upstream
Sanitary
Sewer
Manhole

Upstream
Sanitary Sewer
Manhole

Sewage flows from house

to sanitary sewer main
Water surface in manhole

TOP VIEW

Who is at risk?

MAWSS operates a gravity sewer system.

Though rare, backup events are sometimes
unavoidable due to:
Heavy rainfall and ooding
Grease or other clogging agents
in sewer lines
Unforeseen events that break or block
a sewer line (such as construction,
geological changes or vandalism)

FLOOR
STREET

Blockage in
Sanitary Sewer
Main or increased
flow in rain event

Building
Lateral
Connection
to Main

18
Building at
risk if below
Upstream this elevation.
See note
Sanitary
below.
Sewer
Manhole

Downstream
Sanitary Sewer
Manhole

CURB

What causes sewer backup?

NORMAL SANITARY SEWER FLOW CONDITIONS

STREET
Sanitary Sewer Main

If your home or business foundation is

located at an elevation lower than the nearest
upstream manhole (such as on the downside
of the street), you are at an increased risk for
sewer backup. In this case, the City of Mobile
plumbing code requires you to have a sewage
backup protection device in place. Without
proper protection, raw sewage could flood
your home and cause damage that is difficult
to repair. Contact a licensed plumber to
evaluate your sewer line and install the
proper protection device.

SIDE VIEW

STREET

Sanitary Sewer
Lateral
Upstream
Sanitary
Sewer
Manhole

Upstream
Sanitary Sewer
Manhole

TOP VIEW

Building may
or may not have
cleanout

Sanitary Sewer
Manhole
Cover

Water surface
rises in manhole
under excess
flow conditions

Possible backup
into tubs, toilets,
floor drains, etc.
Sewer backup into house

NOTE: A building is at risk of sewer backup if

the elevation of the lowest floor is not 18 above
the manhole cover upstream of the building
lateral connection. See detail in circle above.

SIDE VIEW

SEWER BACKUP CONDITIONS

What qualifies as a proper

backup prevention device?

Providing Mobile with superior water

and sewer service, MAWSS is committed

There are three different backup

prevention devices that generally
stop sewer backup from entering a

to protecting public health as well as

the health of our environment. Public
educational efforts like this brochure and

home or business: a sewer popper, a

our Its Easy to be Ungreasy Grease

grinder pump or a check-valve with

Recycling Program are effective ways

removable inner parts. Each must be

to prevent sewer problems and keep our

installed by a licensed plumber and

properly maintained.

environment clean. To learn more,

visit our website or call us. Our customer
care teams are always available to
answer your questions.

How do I know if my home

or business is protected?
Only a licensed plumber can
evaluate your sewer line and tell

694.3100 www.mawss.com

you if you have a properly installed

protection device. if you think you
may be at risk, call a licensed plumber
and be certain youre protected.

Will my homeowners
insurance cover damage
from sewer backup?
in most cases, no. Additional
coverage may be needed. Check
with your insurance provider.

30145-I-0011

What qualifies as a proper

backup prevention device?

Providing Mobile with superior water

and sewer service, MAWSS is committed

There are three different backup

prevention devices that generally
stop sewer backup from entering a

to protecting public health as well as

the health of our environment. Public
educational efforts like this brochure and

home or business: a sewer popper, a

our Its Easy to be Ungreasy Grease

grinder pump or a check-valve with

Recycling Program are effective ways

removable inner parts. Each must be

to prevent sewer problems and keep our

installed by a licensed plumber and

properly maintained.

P R OTE C T
YO U R H O M E
& BUsinEss
prevent sewer backup
contamination

environment clean. To learn more,

visit our website or call us. Our customer
care teams are always available to
answer your questions.

How do I know if my home

or business is protected?
Only a licensed plumber can
evaluate your sewer line and tell

694.3100 www.mawss.com

you if you have a properly installed

protection device. if you think you
may be at risk, call a licensed plumber
and be certain youre protected.

Will my homeowners
insurance cover damage
from sewer backup?
A message of public courtesy from

in most cases, no. Additional

coverage may be needed. Check
with your insurance provider.

30145-I-0011