MMSD outlines homeowner grants and steps to reduce basement backups

Becky Shbecht, MMSD’s urban water program manager, told the committee that about 60% of the clear water entering MMSD sanitary sewers originates on private property and that homeowners often do not realize they are responsible for the sanitary sewer lateral from their house to the main. "Most homeowners don't even realize that they are responsible for the sanitary sewer lateral that comes from their house all the way to the connection to the main," Shbecht said.

She described the Pipe Check grant program, which provides financial incentives for foundation‑drain disconnections, sump pump installation, downspout disconnects and sanitary lateral replacement. The program requires use of MMSD‑approved contractors and pre‑approval before work begins; once the approved contractor completes the work and submits documentation, MMSD pays its portion directly to the contractor, sparing homeowners the need to pay up front and seek reimbursement. Shbecht said the program aims to cover roughly 75% of foundation‑drain disconnection costs and offers up to $8,000 toward full lateral replacement in a typical 0.25‑acre lot scenario.

Shbecht recommended televising laterals to find root intrusions or defects, keeping downspouts at least 6 feet from foundations, using battery backup or a secondary sump pump, and considering simple mechanical plugs for floor drains during events. She emphasized that qualifying work must be done by an approved contractor and that some pre‑1954 homes may still have foundation drains directly connected to sanitary laterals and therefore need disconnection to participate.