Spotted: Sewer System Surges Near Hemlock Tavern, Gushing Onto Polk Street [Video]

Spotted: Sewer System Surges Near Hemlock Tavern, Gushing Onto Polk Street [Video]Image: dbstattoo_sf/Instagram
Allie Pape
Published on March 05, 2017

A sewage pipe at Polk and Hemlock streets, just outside of the Hemlock Tavern, appears to have burst during last night's rains, causing a geyser on the street.

Tipster M.M. sent this Instagram video taken by an employee of Let It Bleed Tattoo, located across the street. "It don't smell good," the employee wrote in an Instagram comment, using a poop emoji. 

We've reached out to the SF Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) to learn more about the flooding. 

Did you witness the incident, or know more about what happened? Text us tips and photos at (415) 200-3233. 

Update, 2:57pm: Contrary to tipsters' reports, the SFPUC said the issue was not a burst sewage pipe, but a displaced manhole: 

At 9pm yesterday evening, the SFPUC sewer operation team received a call from the Department of Public Works (DPW) regarding several displaced manholes around the city. These manholes were most likely displaced due to a storm surge last night around 8:30-9pm. Storm surges can cause a sudden influx of water and air into our sewer system and the manholes shift due to the pressure. 

The sewer ops team immediately responded and traveled to several locations across the city to make sure that all the manholes were replaced and secure.  

To ensure that we have a record of and respond to every incident we ask that the public call 311 so we can investigate.