EXETER, CA — Exeter officials are investigating a sewer blockage that caused waste to back up into a local home on December 31, 2025.
That evening, sewage backed up through a toilet and flooded a bathroom in the home. One resident reported seeing city crews working on the nearby sewer system just before discovering the backup inside.
Following the incident, public works crews cleared blockages in the city sewer lines near the home. City Manager Jason Ridenour confirmed the public works department is investigating the cause of the backup.
Maintenance Boundaries
Public Works Director Zach Boudreaux explained that city employees are only allowed to work on public property, such as streets and sidewalks. Because of this, they cannot perform repairs or cleaning inside private homes.
As a result, the family had to handle the cleanup themselves. The resident’s husband spent about three and a half hours cleaning the bathroom.
Prevention and Emergency Reporting
To help prevent future blockages, the public works department urges residents to be careful about what goes down their drains. Officials advised residents not to pour grease or flush items like baby wipes down their drains or toilets.
Exeter maintains a 24-hour emergency line for residents to report problems with city roads, sewers, or other public works. Residents can call the department at 559-723-3318.
