Subject to the claims process, we will assist customers with damages caused by verified blockages in our wastewater main line if the customer is not the negligent cause of the stoppage and the blockage was caused by the negligence of Colorado Springs Utilities. Even when we are not obligated to pay and the claim is denied, we may voluntarily provide up to $12,500 for damages to residential homeowners, subject to qualification.
Maintenance of the wastewater service line, which runs from the customer's home to our main line, and damages caused by service line blockages are, however, the customer's responsibility.
Claims process
Contact your insurance company to report a wastewater backup claim.
If Colorado Springs Utilities is negligent according to Colorado law, contact our claims department to report a wastewater backup claim.
Under Colorado law, Colorado Springs Utilities has legal liability if we are negligent in the operation and maintenance of the public wastewater facility or we negligently allow a dangerous condition to exist in the public wastewater facility. The law does not hold Colorado Springs Utilities liable if damages were caused by events beyond the reasonable and prudent maintenance of our system or by an Act of Nature, including severe storms and flooding.
If we are liable for any part of your claim, you will be asked to submit the following to process your claim:
- Proof of your loss.
- Proof that your claim is of a reasonable nature to restore your property to the condition prior to the occurrence. This may include multiple estimates for repair.
- A list of damaged personal property describing each item, including its age, condition and estimated cash value.
- Cause of the wastewater backup.
Maintenance of wastewater lines: A shared responsibility
- We are responsible for cleaning and maintaining all wastewater main lines according to a maintenance schedule.
- Customers are responsible for maintaining the four-inch service line that runs between our main line and their home.
- You should have your service line professionally cleaned every two years. More frequent cleaning may be required for those living in older neighborhoods with large trees. Thirsty tree roots seeking water can enter underground pipes and cause blockages.
- Hire a reputable, professional wastewater contractor. After hiring a contractor, it's a good idea to follow these tips:
- Be sure the entire 4-inch diameter of your service line is cleaned all the way to our wastewater main.
- The contractor may have to temporarily remove a toilet on the lower level of your home to access the entire diameter of the line. If so, consider a contractor-installed outside clean-out. You’ll get better results without having the mess of cleaning from inside your home.
- If tree roots are the problem, your contractor or home improvement store staff may recommend use of a root-inhibiting chemical, such as copper sulfate crystals. These chemicals kill only the roots growing in the line and will not kill the tree. Use any type of chemical control product in strict accordance with the label to help protect the environment.
- While most wastewater backups occur in private service lines, problems that start there can travel into our main lines and become an issue for others. It's a good idea to check your homeowner’s insurance for adequate coverage, as clean-up and repairs can be costly.
Preventing backups
Most wastewater backups occur in private service lines. Your preventative measures can eliminate unpleasant and expensive wastewater backups.
Kitchen Drains
- Never pour liquid grease, paints, varnishes or other hazardous materials down any drain.
- Before washing pots and pans, it’s best to wipe out congealed grease with a paper towel.
- Run cold water through your garbage disposal both during and after each use.
- Do not put fibrous or stringy fruits, eggshells, coffee grounds and vegetables like celery, corn silks or banana peels in the garbage disposal.
Laundry/Washer Drains
- Use moderate amounts of soaps and detergents.
- Use a biodegradable detergent.
- If your washer has a lint trap, clean it out regularly.
- Use additional lint and hair traps where possible. Be sure to clean them regularly.
Bathrooms
- Each drain should be fitted with a strainer that catches hair and soap. Clean the strainer regularly.
- Store small objects away from the toilet.
- Only flush toilet paper and natural waste. Don’t flush wipes (even if they say they are flushable), diapers, sanitary napkins, tampons and facial tissue.
- Be sure the toilet is operating properly. The tank should fill with water to the recommended level and the toilet should flush completely with adequate force.