Sewer Lateral Blockages
There are many reasons blockages can occur in your sewer drain. It is important as a homeowner to know what to do in the event of a blockage. Please see the information below for how to manage a sewer lateral blockage and who to contact.
What Should You Do When Your Sewer Drains Back Up? |
To prevent the risk of a gas leak or explosion before clearing a blocked sewer, call Ontario One Call at 1-800-400-2255 for a Sewer Safety Inspection. The gas utility representative will locate the natural gas lines and work with the plumber or resident as required to ensure there is no potential conflict. This service is provided at no cost to the homeowner. Sewer Safety Inspections are treated as emergency calls and the Gas Utility targets a response time of 1 to 2 hours. For additional cross bore safety information, please visit: https://www.uniongas.com/sewersafety |
What Can Cause A Sewer Blockage? |
The most common cause of backed up drains or basement flooding in your home is a blockage in the sewer pipe connecting your home to the sanitary sewer on the street. This is most commonly caused by:
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How Long Does It Usually Take To Clear A Blockage? |
Depending on the nature of the blockage, it may take 2 hours or more for a crew of 2 staff to clear a blockage and conduct a video inspection of the sewer lateral after it has been cleared. |
What Issues May Arise During The Process of Clearing a Blockage? |
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City Charges For Sewer Stoppage Service Call |
Our services to clear sewer blockages are 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The City charges competitive rates during normal hours and after hours, weekends and holidays for clearing stoppages. Our fees are inclusive of labour and video charges. A video of the entire lateral is taken after each response. Taking a video is essential to assess the structural condition of the pipe and undertake necessary repairs to prevent future blockages. For details on current year rates check our current Schedule of Wastewater Fees and Charges.
The property owner is responsible for the sewer lateral up to their property line. From the property line to the wastewater main in the street, the City has responsibility for clearing any blockages and sewer replacement as appropriate. The exception to this is if it’s determined that the City side of the sewer lateral is blocked due to inappropriate materials such as toys, or other objects/issues that have originated from the private side. |
Homeowner's Responsibilities |
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City's Responsibilities |
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