plumbing backup/msd plumbing modification program

Twice in the past month, all of the commodes in my house have backed up. (The three greatest words I heard from the plumber the second time he came out were when the lady at the office read from my 2-week ago receipt,"three month warranty"!!!). The first time, the plumber did the electronic snake, but couldn't find any blockage. The second time, they did the electronic snake again. The plumber walked around to the houses around me and found sewer clean-outs in the yards of the two houses directly behind mine. He suggested that I call MSD because he thought it may be a sewer problem. (Both times were after heavy rains, and my neighborhood has well-known sewer/plumbing problems). So, I called MSD and requested that they inspect the sewer tap with a video inspection. They came and did the inspection, but couldn't see all the way in the sewer line. They said that, the next time it happens, call MSD first and they will come and dig up my yard and then determine if it is their problem or my problem. Okay.

Now, today, I got in the mail a packet from MSD about their Plumbing Modifications Program "to reduce basement backups and remove improper connections to the sanitary sewer system." MSD will pay for me to have a plumber come out and "fix" the "improper connections". This is also called the "sump pump/downspout connection program.

It seems that what they are saying is that they want me to have my sump pump disconnected.
(It isn't my basement that was backed up).

Does this sound right? Has anyone had this done? Does it work?

Sounds like B.S. to me. I think MSD wants all sump pumps to run onto the ground instead of into the sewer. The theroy is that storm water fills the sewers with rain and therefore can't handle the waste water. Get rid of all the rain water in the sewers and no toilets back up. You might see if you could get a backflow valve installed with MSD's offer.

This was a common problem in our neighborhood back in Chicago,luckily never for us though. Our house had backflow valve in the outlet pipe. That will take care of your problem for sure.

Ellen what area are you in MSD is starting some projects to separate combined sewer ( sanitary & storm) in some areas. Sounds like the backflow valve is what you need, I believe the info you got is the new name of that program. Do you have a lot of trees near your sewer line, because the roots destroy sanitary sewer connections. MSD will replace, repair any broken lines in the right of way, but depending on your lot that could be a small r/w. If you don't know how much r/w you have PM me your info I can find it for you.

One piece of info for everyone, it is illegal to discharge sump pumps & down spouts into the sewer system. Unless the sump handles gray water. My washer at our old house discharged into the sump so it got to stay hooked to the sewers.