A: If these problems occur and you are not using your household water outlets, there may be a problem in the public main. Call the RVSD at 415.259.2949 to request service. If your household water outlets are being used, turn them off to stop the running water. This indicates a possible problem in your side sewer. You need to call a plumbing company (located in the yellow pages of the phone book under "Plumbing Drains & Sewer Cleaning" or "Sewer Contractors") since Sanitary District No. 1 is only responsible for public sewers.

If the overflow is constant, the homeowner should remove the cap on the cleanout or overflow device (if present) located outside the building. The homeowner can use towels, sheets, rags, etc. to keep the sewage from spreading and damaging other parts of the house.