FAQs • Sewer has backed up in my basement. Who do I call?

Sewer has backed up in my basement. Who do I call?: Notify the Water & Wastewater Department at (302) 366-7000. Once notified, the City will dispatch the sewer truck to check the main sewer line in the street for blockages. If the main is clear, it is the homeowner's responsibility to call a plumber. The City suggests that all homeowners install a backflow preventer or plug in the floor drain to prevent potential backups in the event the main is blocked.

Water & Wastewater Division

1. Sewer has backed up in my basement. Who do I call?: Notify the Water & Wastewater Department at (302) 366-7000. Once notified, the City will dispatch the sewer truck to check the main sewer line in the street for blockages. If the main is clear, it is the homeowner's responsibility to call a plumber. The City suggests that all homeowners install a backflow preventer or plug in the floor drain to prevent potential backups in the event the main is blocked.

2. How do I report a water main break after business hours, on a holiday or weekend?: Call the City of Newark's general number at (302) 366-7000.

3. My water is brown. What happened?: Discolored water is often the result of hydrant use. When a hydrant is opened, a large volume of water is moved through the pipes at a high velocity. This stirs up deposits in the pipe. Please call the Water Department and we will investigate the problem and correct as necessary.

4. How do I get the main water shut off valve turned off if it's in need of repairs?: The City will come out and shut the water off at the curb once you have schedule the repair. Call the Water & Wastewater Department at (302) 366-7000, Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. For service after 5:00 p.m., weekend, or holiday, call the City's general number at (302) 366-7000.

5. How do I pay my water bill?: You may pay your bill online at the link provided below. If you have any questions regarding your water bill, call customer service at (302) 366-7000. Pay Utility Bill

6. What is a Boil Water Advisory?: A Boil Water Advisory is typically issued after a water main break repair, small or widespread loss of pressure in our water system, or a natural disaster. In some cases, our crews can repair a water main while maintaining adequate pressure to prevent possible contamination from entering the water distribution system. When we issue a Boil Water Advisory, we notify only the customers affected. For more information please read our FAQ or call the Public Works and Water Resources Department at (302) 366-7000.