After months of raw sewage bubbling into their Gentilly yard, the Mcfield family finally watched crews make real progress this week as the Sewerage & Water Board of New Orleans moved to repair the mess that had taken over their property. The stench, constant cleanups, and sky-high laundry bills turned daily life into what the family called a serious hazard.
Crews Dig In to Reconnect Broken Sewer Line
As reported by WWLTV, crews were working near the corner of Pasteur and Allen Toussaint boulevards, where they dug a large hole to reconnect the sewer line running between the roadway and the Mcfields' home. According to the station, contractors on a road project about a year ago damaged the private connection, and the family says sewage had been seeping into their yard for months.
Deon Mcfield told the outlet the odor was awful and the constant need to rewash contaminated clothes and linens pushed the household’s laundry tab toward $400–$500.
Water Board Says Fix Is Nearly Wrapped
In a statement to WWLTV, the Sewerage & Water Board of New Orleans said “repairs are expected to be completed by Friday.” The agency described the job as reconnecting the home’s lateral line to the public main and said crews were securing the excavation site while they tested the final connections.
Fix Highlights Strain on an Overworked System
The Gentilly repair is unfolding as the board continues to juggle major fixes and inspections across New Orleans, including a recent force‑main break at the Industrial Canal, according to the Sewerage & Water Board of New Orleans. SWBNO has acknowledged ongoing emergency repair work, and parts and equipment delays have at times slowed response efforts. In April, FOX8 reported that key equipment for another repair did not arrive on schedule, complicating containment.
Neighbors Eye Testing, Street Repairs Next
For the Mcfields, the open trench and steady presence of work crews were an immediate relief after months of living with sewage in their yard. Neighbors say they are now looking for follow-up testing and full restoration of the street once the lateral reconnection is finished.
Residents who spot sewer problems are urged to report them through the city’s 311 system or by calling the Sewerage & Water Board’s customer line.
