Cincinnati, OH
Sewer backup help in Cincinnati
Updated · Editorial team; not yet technically reviewed
Short answer
In Greater Cincinnati, MSD's Sewer Backup (SBU) program helps when a backup is caused by the public sewer. Report it 24/7 at (513) 352-4900 or msdgc.org/sbu, and if you've had two or more public-sewer backups from inadequate capacity in five years, you may qualify for a free backup prevention device.
What's different in Cincinnati
MSD's Sewer Backup (SBU) Program, running since January 2004 and required under MSD's Consent Decree, helps mitigate backups caused by the MSD public sewer; it was formerly called the Water-in-Basement program. [1]
Property owners with two or more sewer backups from the MSD public sewer in five years due to inadequate capacity may be eligible for a backup prevention device installed at no cost. [1]
Most prevention devices include a high-water alarm, and if a device needs electricity, the owner provides and pays for it. [1]
Backups can be reported 24 hours a day at (513) 352-4900 or online at msdgc.org/sbu; the Prevention Program office is at (513) 244-5100. [1]
What to do during a backup
Stop using water
Every flush or drain adds to the backup.
Report it to MSD
Call (513) 352-4900 any time, or report at msdgc.org/sbu, so MSD can check whether the public sewer is the cause.
Stay safe
Avoid contact with sewage and keep children and pets away; don't stand in water near outlets.
Document
Photograph the damage before cleanup for MSD and insurance.
Public sewer or your building sewer?
MSD's program covers backups caused by the public sewer. Backups from your own building sewer (a clog or roots in your lateral) or from overland flooding aren't the same, and MSD's education materials cover protecting against those too. A plumber's camera inspection can tell the difference; see sewer camera inspection.
Prevention devices
For eligible repeat backups, MSD installs a device on your property, typically a backwater valve or similar, at no cost; most include a high-water alarm, and powered devices run on your electricity. Ask the Prevention Program office for the eligibility questionnaire. For general backup prevention, see sewer backup cleanup and repair.
What Cincinnati homeowners usually check next
- SymptomDrain backing up
- SymptomBasement flooding
Common questions
Who do I call for a sewer backup in Cincinnati?
MSD's 24/7 line at (513) 352-4900, or report online at msdgc.org/sbu.
Will MSD clean up my basement after a sewer backup?
MSD's SBU program helps when the backup was caused by the public sewer; report it so MSD can investigate.
Can I get a free backwater valve in Cincinnati?
If you've had two or more backups from the MSD public sewer in five years due to inadequate capacity, you may qualify for a free prevention device.
How do I apply for MSD's prevention program?
Contact the Prevention Program office at (513) 244-5100 for the eligibility questionnaire.
Do MSD backup prevention devices need electricity?
Some do; if so, the owner pays for the power. Most devices include a high-water alarm.
What if the backup came from my own sewer line?
That's the owner's responsibility; a plumber can clear and inspect your building sewer.
How long has Cincinnati's sewer backup program existed?
Since January 2004, when it started as the Water-in-Basement program.
Does flooding from rain count as a sewer backup in Cincinnati?
Overland flooding is different from a public sewer backup; MSD provides education on protecting against both.
Should I photograph a sewer backup before cleaning?
Yes, document damage for MSD and your insurer before cleanup.
Why is MSD required to run this program?
It's required under MSD's Consent Decree.
More plumbing help in Cincinnati
- Water Line Repair in CincinnatiHow Greater Cincinnati Water Works replaces private lead service lines: who pays, who gets priority, how long the program runs, and how to get started.
- Sewer Backup: the full guideWhat to do when sewage backs up into your home, the health precautions, common causes, cleanup rules, and how backwater valves and maintenance prevent it.
- Plumbing in CincinnatiLocal water, housing and climate conditions, and the calls Cincinnati homes need most.
How other cities handle it
- 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 Louisville and MSD's programsSewer backups in Louisville: MSD pays $100 per downspout disconnected, the inspection you need first, the drainage options, and backup protection.
- 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)
- MSD of Greater Cincinnati, Sewer Backup Program · checked 2026-10-03