I live in Anchorage, Alaska. I rent a 2BR/1BA apartment in a triplex that also consists of another 2BR/1BA, and a 3BR/2BA apartment.

The sewage continually backs up in this building, especially my apartment.

From the city pipes, the apartments are other 2BR (in the basement), my 2BR (old garage converted to apartment), 3BR that is upstairs. My apartment is in the middle of the plumbing.

Beginning sometime last summer, we had a couple of plumbing back-ups, but it was nothing major. They were fixed and we moved on. Then, in September/October, the plumbing backed up a few times quickly. The landlord found baby wipes in the plumbing, and spoke to everyone about it. No issues for a while. It happened again and he found wipes on the counter of the basement apartment and started eviction procedures on that tenant who moved out on December 31.

In the beginning of November, the 3BR became occupied with a woman and her two teenagers, plus her constantly visiting boyfriend and his two teenagers, as well as any number of other teens.

Since they’ve moved in, I’ve had at least a dozen sewage back-ups in my apartment. Sometimes, it’s the tub. Sometimes, it’s the toilet. Sometimes, it’s the floor. Or any combination.

I was told by the landlord, “Once tenant moves from basement apartment, I will do a full clean of the pipes and it will all get back to normal.

Since Monday (it is now Thursday night), I’ve had four sewage problems in my bathroom. I can’t use my shower. I can’t use my tub. I can’t use my clothes washer. Nada.

I’m so frustrated. I just want to be able to live in my apartment and not stress out over sewage issues. I haven’t invited anybody over since early November because I’m so stressed about this issue. I’m always on edge, and always angry/irritable. My depression has gotten worse, because I’m forever worrying about these sewage issues. I’m driving across town to shower at the gym.

My landlord has obviously not fixed the issue, and I’m doubtful he ever will fix it at this rate. I want to move apartments, however, it’s stupid cold and, with the depression exacerbation I’m barely holding myself together, much less being in a place to pack an apartment, much less move across town.

What recourse do I have in this situation? It was suggested to me the plumbing is probably not up to code, or not meant to handle the amount of people who are taxing it.

Why should I do?