Sewer odors
Sewer odors at catch basins can be caused by rotting leaves, low flow in an adjacent combined sewer and inappropriate dumping of dog feces, oil, paint or other pollutants. Residents can help alleviate these odors by never dumping anything into a catch basin. Catch basins are installed to collect rainwater only Please call the Operations Center at (617) 349-4800 or (617) 349-4846, or the Sewer Division at (617) 349-4861 and leave your name, phone number and nearest address or street intersection where you smell the sewer odor.

Blocked catch basin
Please call the Operations Center at (617) 349-4800, (617) 349-4846, (or email us) or call the Sewer Division at (617) 349-4861 and leave your name, phone number and nearest address or street intersection of the catch basin. Catch basins are normally cleaned on the same day street sweeping occurs on a particular street. Catch basins that are completely blocked are cleaned within 48 hours of notification of Pubic Works. Residents can assist Public Works by clearing debris off of catch basin grates, cleaning up debris along the curb in front of their property, and by never putting leaves, grass clippings and other yard waste into a catch basin.

Sewage backup into building
Call a plumber or drain cleaner to clean the pipe from the building to the City sewer main. If the plumber is unable to clear the pipe call the Sewer Division at (617) 349-4861, Monday- Friday 7:00 am to 3:00 pm or the Off-hours Division at (617) 349-4860 any other time. Please provide your name and phone number and the name and phone number of the plumber or drain cleaner.