Sanitary Sewer Backflow Prevention Reimbursement Program
Date/Time
Date(s) - 11/24/2025 - 12/31/2025
12:00 am
Categories
CARBONDALE –
During heavy rainfall events, storm water enters the sanitary sewer system as inflow and infiltration. This sur-
charging may cause basement backups in homes.
The City of Carbondale’s Utilities Department has a program in place to reduce the frequency and severity of
sanitary surcharges. Procedures include City crews, consultant engineers, and contractors that locate and repair
issues related to sanitary sewer infrastructure. Efforts of this ongoing, long-term process include sewer main
cleaning and televising, smoke testing, storm water main dye testing, and lining of manholes and sewer mains to
seal out storm water. However, despite the City’s efforts, sanitary sewer backups can still occur.
The installation of a backflow prevention device may give homeowners immediate protection and peace of
mind from recurring sanitary sewer backups.
Homeowners who have experienced a sanitary sewer backup from a floor drain or other plumbing fixture during
a heavy rainfall event may be eligible for the Sanitary Sewer Backflow Prevention Reimbursement Program
(PDF). This reimbursement program allows residents to have a licensed plumber install the backflow prevention
device of their choice, with the City reimbursing 90% of the cost. The program is open to residents who have
experienced a sanitary sewer backup caused by an intense rainfall event which surcharged the sanitary sewer
system.
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
The City offers assistance only to those residents who have applied and have been approved for a
reimbursement. Qualifications for reimbursement include the following:
• City of Carbondale sanitary sewer customer
• Owner-occupied residence
• Documented evidence that a residence has experienced a sanitary sewer backup in the basement during
or following serious rain events due to storm water surcharge
• Reported backup on file with the Utilities Dept. that was determined to be a sanitary sewer main issue
and not an issue on private property by City staff.
• Discuss the problem with the Water & Sewer Supervisor to confirm the backup is being caused by a
sanitary sewer main issue
• Obtain Utilities Dept. approval and a plumbing permit from the City’s Building & Neighborhood
Services Dept. prior to notifying the plumber to proceed with the work in order to ensure reimbursement
For more information on requirements, guidelines, explanation of this work and application visit:
https://www.explorecarbondale.com/174/Water-Sewer