If sewage backed up into your basement after a heavy rain in St. Louis, you may be able to get part of your cleanup cost reimbursed by the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District (MSD). Many homeowners never file because they do not know the program exists or miss the deadline. Here is how it works, who qualifies and what to document.
MSD Sewer Backup Reimbursement at a Glance
| Cause of backup | Who pays |
|---|---|
| Overcharged public sewer (MSD sewer overwhelmed by heavy rain) | MSD reimburses up to $3,000, with a $100 deductible |
| Blocked public sewer (MSD main collapsed or blocked by roots or debris) | MSD covers adjusted losses |
| Private lateral problem (your line from the house to the main) | Homeowner responsibility |
| Overland flooding (surface water entering from outside) | Homeowner responsibility |
Deadline: contact MSD within 30 days of the backup. MSD customer service: (314) 768-6260. Source: MSD Project Clear, Financial Assistance for Building Backups.
Who Is Eligible?
MSD serves the City of St. Louis and most of St. Louis County, including communities like South St. Louis City, Affton, Mehlville, Oakville, Kirkwood, Clayton, Creve Coeur, Ballwin, Chesterfield and Florissant. If your sewer bill comes from MSD, you are likely in its service area.
Homes in St. Charles County, Jefferson County and Illinois are served by different sewer providers, and this program does not apply there.
Overcharged vs. Blocked Sewer: Why It Matters
An overcharged sewer is one that is simply full. During intense storms, especially in areas with combined sewers that carry storm water and wastewater together, the public pipes cannot handle the volume and water pushes back into basements through floor drains. MSD’s reimbursement for these backups is capped at $3,000 after a $100 deductible.
A blocked sewer is a public main that has collapsed or been obstructed by roots or debris. In that case MSD covers adjusted losses.
If the problem is in your private lateral, the pipe running from your house to the public main, the repair and cleanup are the owner’s responsibility. That is where homeowners insurance with a water backup endorsement comes in. See does homeowners insurance cover sewer backup in Missouri.
How To File an MSD Sewer Backup Claim
- Stay safe. Keep kids and pets away and avoid contact with sewage. Stop running water in the house.
- Document everything. Take photos and video of the water level, the floor drain, damaged belongings and affected walls and floors before cleanup.
- Call MSD at (314) 768-6260. Report the backup and ask for a claim or reference number. Do this as soon as possible and no later than 30 days after the backup.
- Notify your insurance company. If you have a water backup endorsement, your insurer may cover what MSD does not.
- Start professional cleanup. Sewage is Category 3 black water. Porous materials it touches usually must be removed, and everything must be disinfected and dried.
- Keep all receipts. Save invoices, drying logs, moisture readings and receipts for replaced items. MSD also publishes a Building Cleanup Guide with instructions for documenting losses.
Why $3,000 Often Is Not Enough
MSD itself notes that damage frequently exceeds its $3,000 maximum and recommends additional coverage through your insurance company. A sewage backup in a finished basement can require removing carpet, pad, lower drywall, trim and insulation, disinfecting the space, drying for several days and rebuilding. See our St. Louis water damage cost guide for typical pricing.
How Midwest Flood Restoration Helps
Our shop is on South Broadway, in the heart of MSD’s service area, and sewage backup cleanup is one of the most common calls we get. We respond 24/7, clean and disinfect to IICRC standards, and provide the detailed photos, moisture logs and itemized invoices you need for both MSD and your insurance company.
Preventing the Next Backup
- Ask a plumber about installing a backwater valve on your sewer line.
- Have your lateral camera-inspected if you have had repeat backups or large trees nearby.
- Disconnect downspouts that drain into the sanitary sewer where allowed.
- Keep grease, wipes and paper products out of drains.
More tips: how to prevent basement flooding in St. Louis.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much will MSD reimburse for a sewer backup?
According to MSD, when a backup is caused by an overcharged public sewer that is overwhelmed by heavy rain, MSD reimburses up to $3,000 with a $100 deductible. When a public sewer main is blocked or collapsed, MSD covers adjusted losses. Backups caused by a homeowner’s private lateral or by overland flooding are not reimbursed.
How long do I have to file an MSD sewer backup claim?
You must contact MSD within 30 days of the backup to be eligible for reimbursement. Call MSD customer service at (314) 768-6260 as soon as possible, ideally the same day, and keep photos, videos, cleanup invoices and receipts for damaged items to support your claim.
Is my home in MSD’s service area?
MSD serves the City of St. Louis and most of St. Louis County. If your sewer bill comes from the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District, you are in its service area. Homes in St. Charles County, Jefferson County and the Illinois Metro East are served by other sewer providers with different policies.
Should I clean up before MSD inspects?
You do not need to live with sewage while you wait. Document everything thoroughly with photos and video first, report the backup to MSD and your insurer, then begin professional cleanup to protect your health and prevent further damage. Keep invoices, moisture logs and samples of damaged materials if possible.
Sewer Backup Cleanup in St. Louis, 24/7
Midwest Flood Restoration responds around the clock to sewage backups across St. Louis City and County. We document everything for MSD and your insurer. Call (314) 772-1788.
CALL NOW! (314) 772-1788