Steps to follow
Contact a plumber
If a blockage in the sewer line occurs and causes a back-up into the home or garage, the resident should contact a plumber or a company capable of cleaning a sanitary line and carrying out a camera inspection. During the intervention, an inspection done directly inside the pipe with a video camera can give a good idea of the problem.
If the problem is on the private side
If the professionnal indicates that the problem is on the private side, it is up to the owner to repair the sanitary line to the public right-of-way. Please note that no claims are possible.
Before starting work, contact the Urban Planning Department at 514-684-1033 to obtain the authorization to excavate on your property (excavated material/backfill).
If the problem is on the public side
If the professionnal indicates that the problem is on the public side, here are the steps to follow:
- During City hours, contact our Customer Service agents at 514-684-1010 to open a file.
- Send the video by e-mail to travauxpublics@ddo.qc.ca via a file-sharing site (WeTransfer, GoogleDrive, OneDrive…) and the plumber’s written report.
- The Public Works Department will analyze the video and complete a report within five (5) business days:
- If the image is clear, the City will analyze the video.
- If the image is not clear, a second camera inspection may be requested from the resident.
- The City will communicate the results to the resident via telephone call:
- If the problem is on the public side, the City will repair the problem. The time frame for the work will depend on the complexity of the situation. The City will contact the resident to schedule a repair date.
- If the problem is on both the private and public side, the resident must repair their side first and notify the City to schedule the repair of the public side.
- Claim: If the problem is on the public side, the resident may submit a claim to the City within fifteen (15) days of the incident by email to ville@ddo.qc.ca, by mail or in person at City Hall. A claim form is available on the City’s website by clicking here or at the front desk of City Hall. We recommend that you contact your insurance company to verify the terms of your insurance contract and, if necessary, submit a claim to them.
For emergencies on weekends, public holidays, or after business hours, please call the Patrol at 514 684-6111.
Instructions for plumbers
After cleaning the sewer line from the house to the City sewer main, the plumber must proceed with a video camera inspection. It is important for your plumber to adhere to the following specifications:
- Set the camera distance counter to 0.00 feet at start of pipe inside the house to the pipe outside the house. This starting point allows the City to pinpoint the location of any issues in the sewer line;
- Progress slowly through the pipe to ensure clear visibility of any issues;
- Video inspection to end at the City sewer main;
- Ensure the pipe is well cleaned so that the video is clear. If there is water in the pipe, a syphon must be used to get it out.
A new video inspection may be required if it does not meet the above criteria.
Things to know
- To facilitate any intervention, the access to the cleaning sewer (sewer cover) inside your residence must be accessible and in good condition at all times. If not, the City will not respond.
- Every owner of a building shall install and maintain in good working order, in such building, one or more check valves to prevent backflow (By-law 01-893 Section 7.3.2).
- At all times, only personal waste and toilet paper should be flushed down your toilet. Never flush the following items: wet wipes, Q-tips, food, grease, etcTo facilitate any intervention, the access to the sewer cover inside your residence must be accessible and in good condition at all times. If not, the City will not respond.
- Roots: A sewer in good condition is watertight. Roots will get inside the pipes if there is already a crack, an open joint or any other opening. In this situation, contact a plumber and/or contractor.
- The exterior drain in front of the garage door should be cleaned periodically.
Information
Public Works, 514 684-1010