Fargo homeowners deal with major sewer backup

Fargo, ND (WDAY TV) - Some north Fargo homeowners are dealing with the unexpected tonight, major sewer backup. A construction project is to blame for the smelly mess that has left basements in disarray. About 30 homes in two neighborhoods along 32nd Avenue are affected.

Up and down the blocks you can see piles like this of destroyed belongings, bags, and carpet. Inside this north Fargo home sits Verna Thompson. The tired homeowner is dealing with a first.

“It’s not fun.”

Never before has her basement flooded.

“Some things are bound to be ruined.”

Thompson's husband found the muddy mess late this morning, the tub overflowing with sewage and into other rooms.

“The damage was already done.”

Tonight, cleaning crews are hard at work in homes in a two block area.

“Some have a little bit of sewage around the floors drains. Some have noticed it come up in the toilet.”

“Anything from three to four foot patch to a total basement full of sewage.”

The cause, workers did a test run on a line to the treatment plant. A plug broke, shooting sewage into homes.

“Unfortunately, you know, it's one of those rehearsals you're doing to prevent sewer backup.”

Now, the concern turns to the safety of these homeowners. Sewage deals with all types of bacteria.

“It’s been just like a food borne illness, diarrhea, vomiting, and things like that. Basically we're talking about E Coli.”

For homeowners like Thompson, her carpet needs replacing, possibly sheetrock. She says she's not angry, but she doesn't like the mess.

“I’ve got a lot of company coming for Thanksgiving. I don't know. They use the basement.”

The city and its insurance are paying for repairs and cleaning. Damage estimates are not known. You are strongly recommended to pull out carpet and backing like this. If not, it could cause more problems down the road.

Tags: your city, travis skonseng, fargo, news, sewage, backup