Sewer Back Up

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Sewer Back Up

Sewer blockages can happen at any time. If a sewer blockage is suspected, avoid flushing toilets and using the sink, tub and shower drains until the source of the sewer backup has been corrected. Here are the steps

to take when faced with a sewer backup.

1. Call for help

Call Access Vaughan at 905-832-2281 immediately.

2. Locate the sewer cleanout and ensure access

A cleanout is normally located in the basement of the house where the sewer pipe exits the home (by the foundation wall or in the basement floor).
Some homes have been constructed with a two-way cleanout, normally located outside the home by the foundation wall where the internal plumbing exits the house.
The cleanout must be accessible to unblock the sewer.
A home's sewer cleanout must be located and accessible. Please provide a clear path to the cleanout and make sure it is fully exposed to allow specialized machinery to be used.

3. Call for a Sewer Safety Inspection

Perform a sewer safety inspection.
Call the Ontario One Call at 1-800-400-2255 for a Sewer Safety Inspection.
Notify a plumber if unable to unclog the blockage.
It may be possible that an underground gas utility has intersected with the sewer pipe outside your home.
The gas utility will locate the natural gas lines and work with the plumber or resident to ensure no damage is caused.
There is no cost to the homeowner for this service.
Sewer Safety Inspections are treated as emergency calls.

City staff will investigate sewer blockage complaints. Property owners are required to sign a "Right of Entry Form" in order for staff to investigate the cause of the blockage and where the issue exists.

Frequently asked questions

What can cause a sewer blockage?

The most common cause of backed up drains or basement flooding in a home is a blockage in the sewer pipe connecting the home to the sanitary sewer on the street.

This is most commonly caused by:

tree roots growing into the pipe and/or
too much fat, oil or grease buildup in the pipe
improper disposal of items such as rags, wipes, toys, garbage, diapers, sanitary napkins, etc.
structural concerns such as breaks and collapse of old deteriorated sanitary sewer laterals

How long does it usually take to clear a blockage?

Depending on the nature of the blockage, it may take two hours or more for a crew of two 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?

The owner will be asked to sign a form authorizing City staff entry to their home.

What if the cleanout cannot be found or the location is not known or inaccessible?

The cleanout cap and other internal plumbing is the owner's responsibility to maintain. If the cap is damaged upon removal, it is the owner's responsibility to repair.

In some situations, the blockage will not be able to be cleared through a cleanout. Depending on the location of the blockage (private side or City side), the owner or the City may need to excavate so that the pipe can be repaired or replaced.

Any cleaning area after the work is completed is the responsibility of the owner.

Contact Information

Environmental Services

Phone: 905-832-2281

Fax: 905-303-2005

Email: accessvaughan@vaughan.ca

Location:

Joint Operations Centre
2800 Rutherford Rd.
Vaughan, ON L4K 2N9

Hours of operation:
Monday to Friday - 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

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