Sanitary Sewer Back-ups
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Contact Information for Sewer Emergencies
Residents of Ebensburg Borough should follow specific protocols when experiencing a sanitary sewer backup:
- Call the Borough First: Contact Ebensburg Borough before hiring a private plumber. Borough personnel will verify if the blockage is in the main sanitary sewer line serving your home.
- Liability Warning: If you hire a plumber first and the blockage is found to be in the Borough's main line, the Borough may not be liable for the cost of that private plumber.
- Service Hours:
- Business Hours (8:00 a. m. to 4:00 p. m. ): Call 814-472-8780.
- After Business Hours: Call 9-1-1.
- Availability: The Borough responds to sanitary sewer calls 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Property Damage and Legal Liability
The document outlines the legal limitations regarding property damage caused by sewer backups:
- Sovereign Immunity: Local governments in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania are generally afforded sovereign immunity against third-party claims for property loss under the Political Subdivision Torts Claim Act.
- Exceptions: While some exceptions exist, they are very specific and must be validated. Generally, damage is not covered by insurance or the Borough.
- Tort Claims Act: A local agency cannot be held liable for a dangerous condition of a water or sewer system unless it had actual notice (or could reasonably be charged with notice) at a sufficient time prior to the event to take protective measures.
- Unforeseen Events: Most water breaks or sewer backups are considered unforeseen events and do not fall under the exception of "actual notice. " Therefore, damage to your home or property is typically not covered by the Borough or its insurance carrier.
Insurance Coverage and Loss Protection
Residents are advised to secure their own financial protection against these events:
- Homeowner Insurance: Some homeowner insurance policies offer additional coverage to guard against sewer backup losses.
- Cost: The cost for such coverage is generally minimal.
- Recommendation: The Borough suggests contacting your homeowner insurance agent to review possible coverage for this type of loss.
- Preparation: It is recommended to verify coverage before an event occurs, as a small annual investment can provide peace of mind against unexpected losses.