A sanitary sewer lateral is the connection or pipe between the private property dwelling and the Town sewer main. The sanitary sewer permits the discharge of all domestic waste out of the household from toilets and sinks.
Sewer problems may occur from time to time within the sewer main or the sewer lateral. If you experience sewage coming up through the basement floor drain, call the Town’s Operations and Infrastructure Department at 905-476-4301 as this may indicate a blockage in the sanitary sewer. Town water and wastewater staff will investigate to determine the condition of the sewer main and take the necessary steps to resolve any problems.
Sewer flushing
Be advised the Water Division has started the annual sewer maintenance in order to prevent blockages and sewer backups. The crew is taking every precaution possible to avoid any inconvenience but occasional toilet splashes may occur in locations with deficient plumbing. Ensure toilet lids are kept closed when not in use.
The cleaning of sewer pipes is a standard practice throughout all municipalities. Cleaning sewer lines is essential to maintaining a properly functioning sewer system and ensuring the community’s investment in its wastewater infrastructure is maintained. This activity removes grit, sand and gravel from sewer piping to prevent blockages, odour generation and premature wear of mechanical components in the sewer lift stations.
Each year, approximately 65 kilometres of sewer pipe is cleaned throughout Georgina. The majority of the time, residents are not aware this work is taking place. Given that sewer pipe cleaning is routine maintenance work where there are no service disruptions, no notice of disruption of service is provided. For planned service disruptions, notification is provided to residents as standard practice, notwithstanding emergency situations.
On rare occasions, some households will experience small spills, noises and odours. This can occur where there is a plumbing issue at the private residence. The most common reasons for this is inadequate venting and other non-compliant plumbing code arrangements. If an occurrence is determined to have happened as a result of the reasons noted above, it is suggested a plumber be contacted to identify the problem.
If you would like further information, or have any questions about this, contact the Town directly at 905-476-4301. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
The Town has created a map to help residents see if their sewer is being flushed.
Danger
Do not attempt to clear a sewer lateral blockage without a sewer safety Inspection. For additional information, visit Enbrdige's Sewer Safety Inspection Guide.
If it is determined that the sewer backup is within the property or the service to the property, the Town does not provide services to resolve these situations. The property owner/homeowner should contact a licensed plumber for assistance.
Responsibility of sewer blockages
On private property
The property owner/homeowner is responsible for the clearing all blockages that occur within the sewer lateral as well as repairs of damaged pipe on private property. Normal sewage includes wastewater and biological solids. Other materials such as diapers, hygiene products and greases that cause blockages must be disposed of separately.
On Town property
If it is determined that the sewer lateral is damaged within Town property and requires repair the Town will assess the problem to determine who is responsible to repair and undertake the necessary repairs if deemed necessary. Property owners are responsible for any material entering the Town's sanitary sewer from their property. Responsibility for blockages or collapses of sanitary laterals by tree roots or other causes will be assessed to determine who is responsible to repair.