What does MSD say about the private building sewer?
That the owner keeps all of it clear. MSD describes the private building sewer as the pipe that connects your home's plumbing to the public sewer, and says owners must keep its entire length clear of clogs and repair breaks on private property.
MSD also says that about 85% of the time, backups are not caused by its public sewer, so it is worth checking your own pipe too. Sewer line jetting clears the building sewer, and a camera inspection reveals roots, breaks or buildup. Call to find out about the service and book a visit.
Why does MSD ask you to report a backup first?
Because its investigation and any claim depend on it. MSD says that before filing a claim you must have reported the backup, by phone or online, and its customer guide advises reporting promptly after discovery.
MSD notes that a later review can change its finding, and that backups caused solely by private plumbing are not covered by its program. Reporting does not replace calling a drain professional for a private blockage; the two steps run side by side. Keep any camera recording of the line with your records.
Who maintains which part of the line in Cincinnati?
MSD divides the system into the public sewer and the private building sewer, as shown here.
| Part of the line | Who maintains it | What it means when a line clogs |
|---|---|---|
| Public sewer | MSD of Greater Cincinnati | Report every backup to MSD first |
| Private building sewer, entire length | Property owner | Owners keep it clear and repair breaks on private property |
| Backup caused solely by private plumbing | Property owner | Not covered by MSD's backup program |
What clogs building sewers in Cincinnati?
Grease, wipes and roots can all be behind a clog. EPA lists grease and tree roots among the primary causes of blockages, and Cincinnati's hilly neighborhoods have mature trees near aging clay lines.
For roots there is tree root removal; for slow kitchen and laundry branches, drain jetting; for restaurants, commercial grease line jetting.
Which hydro jetting services can you book in Cincinnati?
Cincinnati callers can book any service on this site, whether it is a row house in Over-the-Rhine, a hillside home in Price Hill or a restaurant in Oakley.
- Sewer line jetting for the private building sewer between cleanout and public sewer
- Sewer camera inspection to keep a video record of the building sewer
- Tree root removal for roots on hillside lots with mature trees
- Drain jetting for slow kitchen, laundry and bath drains
- Commercial grease line jetting for Over-the-Rhine, Hyde Park and Oakley restaurants
- Sewer backup help for a basement drain or toilet that is overflowing
- Storm drain jetting for apartment-complex lots and drains
Neighborhoods and nearby cities
Calls come from across Cincinnati, including Over-the-Rhine, Mount Adams, Northside, Hyde Park, Oakley, Mount Lookout, Clifton, Pleasant Ridge, Price Hill and College Hill.
Nearby, hydro jetting in Columbus has its own local page. Help is also available in Covington, Newport, Norwood, Blue Ash, Mason, Fairfield, Florence, Sharonville and Loveland. See the Ohio page for every city we cover.