Sanitary Main Flushing

Common Causes of Sewer Line Problems

 The Town of New Tecumseth cleans sewer pipes Monday to Friday between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m., all year round. It takes a few hours on each street, and we do each street about every three years.

This preventative maintenance process is necessary to remove settled and accumulated material and to eliminate the potential for sanitary sewer main surcharging which can result in damage to property.

You will see signs on your street before we clean the sewers in your neighbourhood.

  

Why Is the Town Cleaning and Inspecting Sewers?
The cleaning and inspection program keeps the sewer system operating efficiently by:
  • Helping to prevent blockages and backups
  • Removing built-up debris, such as tree roots, grease, grit and sand
  • Determining the condition of the sewer so we can repair or replace sewers as necessary
How Will I Know If My Street Will Be Impacted by Sanitary Main Flushing?
The town posts flushing operations on the town website and in some cases will hand deliver notices to each resident that may be affected.
Can I Use My Toilets and Water While the Sewers Are Being Cleaned and Inspected?
Yes. However, be careful as air pressure in the sewer during the cleaning and inspection can sometimes cause water to splash out through toilets, sinks and drains. Remember to close the lids on all toilet bowls when not in use, and insert drain plugs in all sinks and bathtubs when not in use.
Do I Need to Do Anything Before the Sewers Are Cleaned/Inspected on My Street?
Yes. Occasionally during cleaning and inspection, air movement in the sewer can cause water to splash out through toilets, sinks and drains. This is often a result of inadequate venting within the plumbing system of the home. Ensuring your homes plumbing system is in good condition and is up to current codes can reduce the likelihood of this occurring. Take the following precautions to prevent water damage in your home:
  • Close the lids on all toilet bowls when not in use.
  • Insert drain plugs in all sinks and bathtubs when not in use.
  • Remove all floor mats in bathrooms.
  • Place an old towel around the base of toilets.
  • If you have a float plug in your floor drain or a backwater valve installed in your house, ensure that it is free of debris and operating properly.
  • Wrap the cover of your basement floor drains with thick plastic (i.e., a freezer bag). Place something heavy over the floor drains to keep the plastic-covered floor drain covers in place.
If you are running your cold water tap to prevent your water line from freezing during the winter, run water from a tap at the highest elevation in the house (i.e. main floor or upper level, not basement) without inserting the drain plug. Please follow the precautions above for all remaining fixtures (toilets, sinks, and drains).
Does The Town Clean and Inspect the Sewers at The Same Time?
Most of the time, sewers are first flushed and followed up later with inspection through CCTV (closed circuit television).
How Does the Town Clean the Sewers?
A high-pressure hose powered by a hydrovac truck is used to flush water down the sewer. The dirt and debris are sucked up through a manhole by a large vacuum truck and taken to a disposal site.
How Does the Town Inspect the Sewers?
The Town contracts a company to insert a remotely operated closed circuit television (CCTV) camera into the sewer to record its condition. From the video we can tell if we need to repair or replace the sewer.
How Long Does It Take to Clean the Sewers on Each Street?
It usually takes a few hours to clean each street. However, some sewers can take longer, depending on their size and condition.
Will I Notice Anything After the Sewers Have Been Cleaned/Inspected on My Street?
Sometimes the sewer cleaning and inspection leaves an odour in the home. If so, run some water down the sink and bathtub drains, flush the toilets, pour a pail of water into each basement floor drain, and open the windows. After a short time, the odour should disappear.