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1. What is the village’s responsibility regarding private sewer laterals?

The property owner is fully responsible for maintaining adequate sewage flow to and through the sewer lateral, from the property structure to and into the village sewer main. When failure or stoppage of a sewer lateral occurs, village crews will respond only to check the sewer main to verify that the main is open and sewage is flowing. If the sewer main is found to be clear, it is the responsibility of the property owner to call a licensed plumber or drain cleaning service to correct the problem.

2. How do I locate my lateral?

Locating the lateral is the responsibility of the property owner. The Village of Menomonee Falls may have records showing, or plumbers have special locating equipment, to find the lateral/main connection.

3. What if my sewer backs up?

If you experience a sewer backup, call the Sewer Utility at (262)532-4850 or the Department of Public Works at (262) 532-4200. Please call the Menomonee Falls Police Department at (262) 532-1700 if the emergency occurs after 3:30 p.m. on weekdays, Saturdays, Sundays, or holidays. We will dispatch a maintenance crew to your address to determine if the stoppage is in the Village main or your sewer lateral. If the Village main is found to be clear, it is the responsibility of the property owner to call a plumber or sewer / drain cleaning service to correct the problem. The property owner is responsible for maintaining adequate flow to and through the sewer lateral from the property structure to and into the Village sewer main. If the blockage is in the Village main, we will fix it as quickly as possible and keep you informed of what is being done.

4. What about the mess?

A sewer backup can lead to disease, destruction of your valuables, damage to your house, and electrical malfunctions. Prompt cleanup of affected property can help minimize the inconvenience and damage. You should immediately arrange for the cleanup of your property:

• Take before-and-after photos of the affected areas
• Itemize any property losses
• Wet-vacuum or remove spillage
• Mop the floors and wipe walls with soap and disinfectant
• Flush out and disinfect plumbing fixtures
• Steam clean or remove carpet and drapes
• Repair or remove wallboard or wall covering
• Clean up appliances or ductwork

5. What is MMSD and what does it do?

Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District (MMSD) is a regional government agency that provides water reclamation and flood management services for about 1.1 million people in 28 communities in the Greater Milwaukee Area.

MMSD

6. If I notice a foreign substance flowing into a storm drain inlet, whom should I call?

If you notice a foreign substance flowing into a storm drain inlet, please call the Sewer Utility at (262)532-4850 or the Department of Public Works at (262)532-4200. Please call the Menomonee Falls Police Department at (262)532-1700 should the emergency occur after 3:30 p.m. on weekdays, Saturdays, Sundays, or holidays.