Sanitary Lateral Services & Sewer Back-Up

A Sanitary sewer system is a complex network of pipes and pumps buried beneath the street. 
The system is designed to transport wastewater from homes., businesses, and industries to the treatment facility. 
Sewer blockages on private property are the sole responsibility of the homeowner/resident of that property.
If you suspect that your sewer is blocked, it is recommended that you follow these steps below: 
 
                           Steps to Unblock Your Sewer
  1. If you suspect that your sewer is blocked and your toilet is not flushing properly, use a plunger to see if you can free the blockage from the toilet.
  2. If that does not work, do a quick assessment of your home by inspecting any sinks or toilets that are not draining properly.
  3. If you suspect a sewer blockage after the quick assessment, stop using any water (flushing toilets, running taps, doing laundry, etc.). Doing so may cause sewer back-up to flow into your home.
  4. Contact the Town or your own contractor to notify them of your sewer blockage.
  • Please note that before the contractor can perform any work, a Sewer Safety Inspection must be done. A Sewer Safety Inspection will prevent the risk of a gas leak and/or explosion by making sure underground gas lines are not intersecting the sewer pipes outside your home.
  • Call Ontario One Call at 1-800-400-2255 for a Sewer Safety Inspection. The Sewer Safety Inspection is provided at no cost to the homeowner. Once you have received clearance from Ontario One Call, you can contact your contractor to clear any sewer blockages.
  • If you or your contractor suspect that the sewer blockage originated from Town property, you or the contractor is required to obtain the following evidence such as CCTV footage, location of the sewer blockage, and type of blockage, and provide it to the Town of New Tecumseth to launch an investigation. After the investigation, the Town will notify you of its outcome and decision. If the origin of the sewer blockage is proven to have been caused by the Town, you will be compensated for all costs incurred for clearing the sewer blockage. For more information on this process, please call 705-435-3900.
What are Sanitary Sewers? 
Sanitary sewers are underground pipes that carry wastewater from homes and businesses to one of the Town's three (3) wastewater treatment plants where it is treated and then released back to the environment. Everything you pour down your drains or flush down your toilet goes into a sewer.
Who Owns and Is Responsible for Sewer Servicing?
Property owners own and are responsible for all of the water and sewer services and plumbing from property line all the way into their home.
This means that any leaks or pipe failures that occur on private property are the responsibility of the owner. This includes any failure of the inside water shut off valve before the water meter as well as any piping or connections to the water meter.
The water meter belongs to the Town but is paid for by the property owner (through initial installation or building permit). It is the property owners responsibility to ensure the meter is kept in an appropriate environment that will not allow damage to occur to the meter, such as freezing temperatures. Damaged or frozen meters due to misuse are to be paid by the property owner.
The curb stop is at the property line and is the responsibility of the Town unless it is damaged after the subdivision inspection.
What Is a Sanitary Sewer Service or Sanitary Lateral?
A sanitary sewer service (or sanitary lateral) is the underground pipe that carries wastewater or sewage from private property to the Town's main sewer. The property line is the delineating mark to determine what portion of the lateral is owned by the homeowner or by the Town.
How Can I Protect My Home from A Sewer Back-Up?
The sewer cleaning and inspection program is one of the steps that we take to reduce the risk of sewer backup.
Homeowners should ensure that any work that is done to your plumbing system is done with permits issued from the City's Building Division. This will reduce any risks related to faulty plumbing.

There are steps you can take to protect your home against basement flooding, including:

•  Install a backwater valve and sump pit drainage system with a building permit
•  Check and maintain your backwater valve and sump pit drainage system regularly
•  Improve surface drainage at ground level away from your house
Who Do I Call If I Have a Sanitary Sewer Back-Up?
Call the Public Works Department.
Public Works will check the sanitary main to ensure the backup is not within the public infrastructure. If mains are clear, owner may wish to contact a plumber to clear and camera the private lateral.

Town staff can be requested to rod and/or camera the private sanitary lateral - fees are applicable.