Sewer Backup

What is a sewer backup?

A sewage blockage can create a backup on private property. It is the result of wastewater no longer able to leave the property through the sanitary lateral pipe that is connected to the City of Vaughan sewer, usually due to a blockage. This results in wastewater backing up into your property.

It is important to determine where the blockage is – on public or private property. If City Operators investigate and find the blockage to be on private property, then as the property owner you will be responsible to hire a plumber to clear it.

How can I prevent a backup from occurring?

• Never flush or pour the following materials down your drain
  • wipes of any kind – flushable/baby/others
  • personal hygiene products
  • paper towels
  • fats, oils and grease

Read more about what not to flush

For more information on how to properly dispose of household waste, please visit the City’s What Goes Where guide or download the City’s Recycle Coach App through the Apple App Store or Google Play to help you determine what goes where.

What to do if you have a sewer blockage

If you suspect you are having a sewer blockage, please follow the steps listed below. Typically, a sewer backup caused by the City’s main pipe will affect more than one property on the street.

1. Stop using the water at your property. This includes flushing toilets and turning on any taps.
2. Contact a licensed plumber to come to your property to clear the blockage. This is the homeowner/resident’s expense.
3. Before your licenced plumber begins any work, please make sure that the plumber performs a Sewer Safety Inspection. It is the responsibility of the licensed plumber to call Ontario One Call at 1-800-400-2255 to request a Sewer Safety Inspection. There is no cost to you for this additional service.
4. After following the steps above, and if it is determined the blockage is on City property, then the City will clear it at no additional charge. If the hired plumber provided a closed-circuit television (CCTV) video that shows exactly where the blockage is, please let the City know.

For more information, please call the City’s call centre, Service Vaughan, at 905-832-2281.