Sewer Issues and Information

Sewer Backup Problems

Call the sewer maintenance department at 747-4852. Normal hours are 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. Calls after hours will be answered by our answering service and forwarded to the Sewer Maintenance crew. A crew person will notify you that the problem has been fixed (opening the main line) or that you should consult a plumber.

Is your basement drain backing up?
The best action to take would be to install a sewage injection pump. This will bring sewage to a higher level than your basement. (Please see illustrations below.)

The next best response is to install a back water valve. This should be installed outside of the basement into the lateral going to the main sewer. An operating valve should keep a main sewer from backing up into your house, but it is important to remember that you can't use your water system while the backwater valve is in use. This pressure will prevent your water from going to the main sewer. The end result will be a back up into your basement. (Please see illustrations below.)

The last recommended response is an expansion plug. This is the least effective way to prevent sewer back up in your home. This option is strictly for floor drains that will not work for any facility in your basement such as a shower or toilet drain. (Please see illustrations below.)

Complete construction details are available. Call the Muncie Sanitary Maintenance Department at (765) 747-4852.

Locate Sewer Pipes:

Citizens wishing to locate service piping may contact the Muncie Sanitary District Engineering office at 747-4879, Monday through Friday, 8 am - 4 pm.

Sewer Permits

Sewer construction permits and sewer tap permits are issued by the Building Commisioner. The office is located on the third floorof City Hall; hours are  7am - 5pm, Monday thru Thursday. The telephone number is (765) 747-4878. The permit fee is $400.00.

Sanitary Sewer Construction Revoloving Loan

Residents may petition the Board of Sanitary Commissioners for general infrastructure improvements to sanitary sewers. Cost-sharing occurs on most projects; property owners pay up to $3,500 of the project cost, and the district pays the remainder. The petition is generally coordinated through the neighborhood association. Petitions are available at the MSD Engineering Office, 5120 W. Kilgore Avenue.

If the petitioned project is deemed necessary and city funding is available, it is engineered and a public hearing is held. Assessments are levied once the work is completed.

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