The Detroit Water & Sewerage Department (DWSD) is inspecting the inside and outside of all houses and businesses throughout the city to identify opportunities to improve private plumbing systems to ensure the safety of clean drinking water supplies is maintained. These free inspections are important to reduce the risk of backflows to protect the drinking water system and are a requirement of State of Michigan law and City of Detroit ordinance.

Why are these inspections needed?
A cross connection is when private plumbing is at risk of clean drinking water mixing with sewage or chemicals. Examples of cross connections include:

• Garden hose – If you attach a chemical weed-sprayer to the garden hose or you place the hose in a bucket full of soapy water, there is a risk the chemicals backflow into the hose then into your private plumbing.
• Laundry tub – A hose connected from your laundry machine and submerged into a sink may allow backflow into the washing machine and your plumbing.
• Boilers – A period of low pressure may cause the water in the boiler to backflow.
• Sprinkler systems – Fertilizer and soils may backflow into the sprinkler heads.

Backflow preventer devices are used to stop sewage or chemicals from mixing with the clean drinking water supply. Examples of backflow preventers are vacuum breakers and check valves. 

What do I do once I receive a notice to schedule an inspection?

1. Schedule an inspection with the DWSD authorized vendor, HydroCorp, by calling 313-000-0000 or visit the scheduling website www.schedulemyinspection.net within 30 days. You will be provided a two-hour time block to be at your home or business. A person aged 18-years or older must be present for the inspection which will take about 20 minutes. This is a free service.
2. The inspector will walk through your house/business and outdoor property to identify any cross connections such as garden hoses, laundry tubs, boilers, and sprinkler systems. The inspector will provide a form that you will be asked to sign to verify completion.
3. If the inspector verifies any cross connections, they will provide instructions on how to install devices to prevent backflows. As a courtesy provided by DWSD, the HydroCorp inspector will give you free backflow preventers for verified common cross connections, such as for garden hoses.
4. For your safety, you are responsible for completing the installation of the backflow preventer device(s).
5. You will be contacted for a follow-up inspection within one year of your appointment to verify you have addressed all outstanding cross connections.

For more information on cross connections, watch the video or see the frequently asked questions below :