Louisville, KY
Sewer backups in Louisville and MSD's programs
Updated · Editorial team; not yet technically reviewed
Short answer
In Louisville, MSD pays homeowners $100 per downspout disconnected from the sewer after an inspection, because roof water in the sewer contributes to backups. Inspection comes first: MSD must see the downspouts before you start. For backups themselves, a plumber can add a backwater valve; MSD is at 502.540.6000.
What's different in Louisville
MSD pays a one-time $100 for each downspout disconnected from the wastewater system. [1]
You must contact MSD for an inspection before starting any work; MSD then checks each downspout for eligibility and verifies the work afterward. [1]
MSD helps choose the drainage alternative: rain barrels, piping away from the house, a French drain or a turnout with a splash block. Customer Relations: 502.540.6000. [1]
Getting paid to disconnect downspouts
- Call MSD for an inspection before doing any work; skipping it can cost you the payment.
- Install the alternative MSD approves: rain barrel, pipe away from the house, French drain or splash block.
- MSD inspects again, then you apply for $100 per downspout.
Protecting the basement itself
Downspout disconnection reduces storm flow in the sewer, but it doesn't stop a surcharge from reaching your floor drain. A backwater valve or overhead sewer setup does; either is installed by a licensed plumber under permit. The basement backup prevention guide compares the options.
Further reading: Signs of a main sewer line clog.
What Louisville homeowners usually check next
- SymptomDrain backing up
- SymptomBasement flooding
Common questions
Does Louisville MSD pay to disconnect downspouts?
Yes, $100 per downspout after an inspection.
What is MSD's phone number?
502.540.6000.
Can I disconnect first and get paid later?
No. MSD requires an inspection before any work starts.
What drainage options does MSD accept?
Rain barrels, piping away from the house, a French drain or a turnout with a splash block, chosen with MSD.
Why do downspouts cause sewer backups?
Roof water entering the sewer during storms adds volume that can push sewage back into basements.
Where should a disconnected downspout drain?
To the yard, away from the foundation and not onto a neighbor's property.
What device stops sewer water entering my basement?
A backwater valve, or an overhead sewer for homes that back up often.
Is a Louisville backup on a dry day the city's problem?
Usually not; dry-weather backups point to a blockage in your own line.
Should I document a backup?
Yes, photograph before cleanup and report it to MSD.
Who installs backwater valves in Louisville?
A licensed plumber, with a permit.
More plumbing help in Louisville
How other cities handle it
- Sewer backup help in CincinnatiHow MSD of Greater Cincinnati's Sewer Backup (SBU) program works: 24/7 reporting, cleanup for public-sewer backups, and free backup prevention devices.
- Basement sewer backups in MilwaukeeWhy Milwaukee basements back up in storms, the downspout disconnection rule in the combined sewer area, MMSD's Pipe Check incentives, and city lateral programs.
- Basement backup protection in DetroitDetroit's Basement Backup Protection Program: the 11 flood-prone neighborhoods, free backwater valves and sump pumps, lateral camera checks, and how to apply.
- Sewage backup cleanup in Baltimore and the city's reimbursement programSewage backups in Baltimore: the DPW Expedited Reimbursement Program (up to $5,000), the 90-day deadline, the 1/4-inch rain test, and what to document.
- Sewer backups in Washington, DCSewer backups in DC: owners maintain the lateral and clear its clogs, DC Water usually doesn't pay for backup damage, and how to ask for an investigation.
- Sewer backups in Seattle: usually the side sewerSeattle sewer backups: most backup calls trace to the privately owned side sewer, when SPU claims apply, and the backwater valves that protect basements.
Sources (1)
- Louisville MSD, Downspout Disconnection Program · checked 2026-10-03