Sewer Problems?

Notify the Kishwaukee Water Reclamation District at (815) 758-3513 if you notice any problems with the sanitary sewer. If you're unable to reach anyone at the main line, call the on-duty cell phone at (815) 762-1933.

Sewer Backups

Is sewage backing up into your home? Before spending money on a plumber, call KWRD to make sure the problem isn't in the public sewer. We flush main sewer lines regularly to prevent blockages, but we can't always know about backups or slowdowns unless you call and inform us.

FIX AND PREVENT SEWER BACKUPS

Sewer Gas Odors

Sewer gas can be dangerous. If you smell sewer gas, you should contact KWRD immediately at (815) 758-3513. If you are unable to reach anyone at this number, call the DeKalb Police Department’s non-emergency number, (815) 748-8400.

Hydrogen sulfide is the toxic gas responsible for the “rotten egg” smell of wastewater. It is heavier than air and will collect in low places. It only takes a small amount of hydrogen sulfide to cause an odor. Sewer gas can also contain methane, carbon dioxide, and carbon monoxide. These gases are odorless, but methane is flammable, and all three gases are dangerous to breathe. Symptoms of exposure include drowsiness, headache, nausea, and dizziness.

If you experience these symptoms, smell a strong odor of rotten eggs, or both, leave the building before making the call.

Prevent Sewer Gas Problems

• Plumbing systems have “traps,” curved sections of pipe that collect water. The water in the trap acts as a seal, preventing sewer gases from backing up into the building. Fixtures that don’t have any traps should be corrected by a qualified plumber.
• Regularly flush water through rarely-used sinks, toilets, or floor drains to keep the traps from drying out.
• If a toilet was removed, leaving an opening into the waste plumbing, the opening should be closed off.
• Cleanout caps should be replaced after servicing.
• Sewer pipes should never be allowed to rust or corrode through.
• Your building has a vent in the roof to vent sewer gases. If a vent has become plugged by leaves or a bird’s nest, it could cause vapors to back up into the building.

Open Manholes

Don’t believe what you’ve seen in the movies. Opening manhole covers is dangerous. Only a person properly equipped, trained, and monitored should enter any manhole. The gases that accumulate just below the street’s surface can cause instant asphyxiation without warning. Open manholes create a hazard for vehicles and pedestrians and attract the attention of curious children and pets.

• If you see an open manhole, call the KWRD at (815) 758-3513 or the City of DeKalb Street Department at (815) 748-2040. The KWRD is responsible for sanitary sewers and the city is responsible for storm sewers. You can call either number and we will work together to fix the problem.
• Never open a manhole cover to drain water from a flooded street. Your intentions might be good, but if the manhole you open leads to the sanitary sewer instead of the storm sewer, you could cause sewage to back up into buildings throughout the neighborhood. Call the City of DeKalb Street Department at (815) 748-2040 to report flooding.
• Report illegal dumping. It is illegal for any unauthorized person to open a manhole. Some people will dump chemicals or refuse down manholes to avoid paying for proper disposal. This is dangerous for the health and safety of the community and the environment.

If you observe suspicious dumping, do not approach the suspicious person(s). Call the District or the City of DeKalb and report what you have seen, including a description and license plate number of their vehicle, if possible. You can remain anonymous.