Sewer Backups
What is a Sewer Backup?
A sewage backup occurs when sewage from a private sewage system or sanitary sewer enters a home and/or onto the property. Sewage consists of wastewater from toilets, sinks, tubs, showers, dishwashers and clothes washers. Sewage backups can be caused by a blockage or plumbing problem.
Often, blockages that lead to backups are caused by people putting improper things down the drain or toilet.
Preventing a Sewer Backup at Home
- Do not flush paper towels, wipes (even ones that say flushable), diapers or feminine hygiene products down your toilet.
- Avoid pouring cooking oils and grease down household drains or toilets. It will harden and eventually clog the drain.
- Contact a licensed plumber to have an approved backwater valve installed to reduce the risk of sewage entering the basement if your home is served by a municipal sewer system.
- Ensure your property has good drainage and is free from cracks in the foundation walls and floors.
What To Do If a Sewage Backup Occurs
- Stop using your plumbing until the sewer problem is checked.
- Contact a licensed plumber to investigate the source of the problem.
- If you are serviced by a municipal sewer system and it has been determined the sewer backup is related to the sewermain on the street, contact the Infrastructure Department at 705-484-5374 ext. 285. To reach our call centre after regular business hours, call 705-484-5374 and press 8.
- Contact your landlord if you are a tenant.
- Check your insurance policy to see if you have sewer backup coverage.
Contact Us
Corporation of the Township of Ramara
2297 Highway 12, PO Box 130, Brechin, ON, L0K 1B0
T. 705-484-5374
E. ramara@ramara.ca
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