Durham residents evacuated after sewage backup

Monday, September 5, 2016
Durham residents evacuated after sewage backup
The sewage was coming out of tubs and toilets at the Hillcrest Apartments

DURHAM (WTVD) -- Some residents at the Hillcrest Apartments off Hillcrest Drive are dealing with a mess after a sewage backup caused brown liquid to spew out of toilets and tubs.

About 6 units were affected along with several families. Property managers said they've called a plumber to fix the problem.

Resident Adam Bonilla says the problem started Saturday night and got even worse Sunday morning.

"The floor is wet, the whole apartment is wet. It smells real bad," he commented.

The Durham Fire Department responded but learned it is the responsibility of the property management company, Bergman Rentals, not the city. The manager told ABC11 a disaster recovery team will come to clean up.

They'll put neighbors in a hotel if necessary.

For the families affected, it's a major inconvenience. They said they've lost furniture, clothes, and valuables to the brown liquid.

Residents say the problem has come at a rough time - the property was recently sold to new managers and the residents say they've been given 30 days to leave.

Report a Typo

Related Topics