On 15 November 2022, an East Bay Court resident suffered significant damage from a sewer backup. The backup was so bad that the entire residence was uninhabitable for two days. Not only did the backup force the Fox family out of their home, but it also displaced the renters they had in the basement apartment. The renters had to move out permanently and have not yet been able to return because of the substantial restoration work that has yet to be completed.
The issue is not just the damage to the property and residence but who is responsible for the repairs and the damage done that created the backup. The Cleanout for the Fox resident was found to be the source of the problem. According to a code change back in 2007, the city has no responsibility for the line from the Cleanout to the residence. But what happens when the Cleanout is 150 feet away from the resident and is located in an Eagle Mountain City park?
The clean-out for the Fox residence is located 150 feet from their property line, goes under a city-owned road, and is located by the curb in a city park. The Fox family has had several plumbing experts look at the issue to find where and how their basement flooded with sewer. Their lawyer explains it best in a legal document sent to the City on February 2, 2023. “According to these experts, the specific problem with the Cleanout is that the T-joint has been broken because the vertical pipe has been improperly forced downward from its original, correct location, and the Fox Lateral has therefore been reduced to about half of its normal capacity at the Cleanout and is thus no longer capable of properly conveying waste water away from the Residence.”
They point out several issues with the installation of the T-joint and cleanout. The ground around the Cleanout slopes towards the Cleanout, causing runoff water to build up around the Cleanout. The T-joint also did not have the correct material backfilled as specified by the code to allow for some flexing. The Cleanout was also buried under dirt, allowing park maintenance crews to drive over the cleanout.
Mike Kieffer – Editor-in-Chief, Cedar Valley Sentinel
Mike Kieffer is a dynamic leader and community advocate based in Eagle Mountain, Utah. He serves as the Editor-in-Chief of the Cedar Valley Sentinel, a local publication dedicated to informing, inspiring, and elevating the Cedar Valley community through honest and accurate journalism. With a passion for fostering connections, Kieffer has made it his mission to highlight local businesses, provide reliable news, and support community development.
Beyond his editorial role, Kieffer is the owner of Lake Mountain Media, LLC, a company specializing in media and communications, and the co-owner of Quail Run Farms, which focuses on sustainable farming and community engagement. He also actively contributes to the local economy and culture as a member of the Eagle Mountain Chamber of Commerce.
Kieffer’s dedication extends to preserving and promoting the history and heritage of the Cedar Valley area. He often participates in community-centered events and media, including podcasts that explore the unique aspects of life in the region. Through his varied endeavors, he remains a steadfast advocate for the growth and enrichment of the local community.
