Wastewater services FAQs
Terms to know
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Service line(service lateral) |
The piping that connects your house or building sewer to the wastewater main. |
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Mainline |
The portion of the wastewater system that collects and transports wastewater to the treatment plant. Typically this portion of the system is located in or near the street. |
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Access point |
The cleanout or other point of access to the wastewater service line for the purposes of inspection and cleaning. |
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Front floor cleanout |
A cleanout or access point that is located in the floor typically near the front wall of the house. |
Under Strathcona County policies and the Municipal Government Act, the homeowner is responsible for the construction, maintenance and repair of the service line on private property from the foundation wall to the property line. Strathcona County is responsible from the property line to the main line.
- Why do sewers back up?
- How does a garbarator affect the sewer lines?
- What do I do if my sewer backs up?
- How can you tell what the problem is? (CCTV request form)
- Which preventive maintenance program is right for me?
- The Root Control program
- The Macro Maintenance program
- Can the tree just be cut down to eliminate backups?
- Is there anything I can do to help decrease the amount of sewer backups?
- What other options are there to solve the problem?
- How do I get a quote for the service lateral rehabilitation program?
Why do sewers back up?
Most common causes for a sewer backup include:
- A sag in the line or low lying area causing grease, solids and certain types of detergents to harden or build up
- Broken or shifted pipes
- Tree roots entering into the line (a major factor in blockages everywhere)
- Ground water seeping into the pipe at the joints leaving behind minerals that build up over time
How does a garbarator affect the sewer lines?
We don't recommend you use a garbarator for several reasons. When kitchen scraps are disposed using a garbarator, they ultimately end up at the wastewater treatment plant. At the treatment plant, most of the organic material is removed by the screens at the front of the plant and sent to the landfill. The biodegradable benefits of the organic materials are lost at this point and the material isn't suitable for composting. This not only increases the amount of materials that have to be sent to landfill, but also increases wastewater treatment costs.
The second reason garbarators aren't recommended is because it may increase the chances of sewer backups. Over time, the organic material will collect in the pipes which can lead to sewer backups.
Finally, using a garbarator uses extra water. So you will be paying for extra water you use to flush the organic material down the sink and pay extra for the wastewater that is leaving your house.
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What do I do if my sewer backs up?
Call the Strathcona County Utilities emergency response line at 780-467-7785. You will be connected to either our customer service representative or the answering service. An operator will be notified of your service request and will contact you within one hour for more details prior to responding.
There may be a charge for the service call if the cause of the sewer backup is strictly related to a private property issue with no contributing factors on public property.
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How can you tell what the problem is?
The County inserts a closed circuit television (CCTV) camera down the service line to see what is causing the sewer problem. The camera is inserted into the access point inside the house, usually below the main bathroom or the front floor cleanout. Access into the house is required because typically the camera cannot enter the service line from a manhole. Once the problem has been identified, County staff work with the homeowner to help reduce the possibility of future sewer backups.
Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) Inspection- Request
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What's next?
Residents who experience recurring sewer backups will automatically be placed on one of two preventive maintenance programs (unless the cause is strictly a problem on private property). These programs may help reduce future backups.
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Which preventive maintenance program is for me?
It depends what is causing the backup. If tree roots are causing the backups, the residence is usually put on the Root Control program (depending on the type of tree). Homes experiencing backups caused by other factors are put on the Maintenance Cleaning program. There is no charge for either of these scheduled services.
The Root Control program
A chemical is applied to the service line that kills the roots within the line restoring full pipe flow. It kills only the roots that are in the service line and will not harm the roots outside of the pipe or the tree. The chemical will not prevent root regrowth; it will only eliminate the roots that come into contact with the product.
Service lines in mature areas typically have joints every four feet allowing tree roots to enter and clog the lines.
Houses that are treated with the chemical are placed on a program for inspection and treatment (if required) typically once every two years.
The Maintenance Cleaning program
This program is designed to address those conditions or circumstances where the root control program is not applicable. Work could entail a combination of power auger cleaning and/or CCTV inspection.
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Can the tree just be cut down to eliminate backups?
Cutting the tree may not solve the problem. The roots can continue to grow for a period of time even after the top of the tree has been cut down. Roots can travel a long way from the tree's base so it is difficult to determine which tree is causing the backups.
If you want a tree located on public property removed, Strathcona County policies dictate that you put your request in writing and send it to:
Strathcona County Utilities
2001 Sherwood Drive
Sherwood Park, AB T8A 3W7
Attention: Wastewater Foreman
It will then be forwarded to the County Horticulture/Aboriculture Foreman for review on a site by site basis.
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Is there anything I can do to help decrease the amount of sewer backups?
Do not flush large or absorbent items (such as feminine hygiene products, paper towels, baby wipes) down the toilet.
- Garbage disposals increase the amount of organic material in the service lines. Depending on the slope of the service line and structural condition, the material sticks to the lines and over time cause blockages. Compost your organic material instead; your garden will thank you!
- Do not pour grease down the drain as it will eventually clog the lines. Remember to wipe out your greasy dishes before you wash them. Over time, the grease may add to the problem.
Your participation in these programs will help reduce the risk of future blockages. Call us if you receive a letter from the County requesting you to make an appointment for the preventative maintenance program.
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What other options are there to solve the problem?
Strathcona County can provide recommendations and cost options for corrective/repair procedures to the service line. The service line may be replaced, or a liner may be put inside the service line to address the existing problem. Strathcona County coordinates these repair activities for both the private and public property portions of the service line. The County acts as an inspector to ensure the work done by the contractor is done in an effective and timely manner.
Under current policy, Strathcona County may contribute half (to a maximum of $750) towards the homeowner's costs if there are trees present on County property that may be contributing to the problem.
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How do I get a quote for the service lateral rehabilitation program?
Request a quotation in writing to:
Quotation Request
c/o Strathcona County Utilities
2001 Sherwood Drive
Sherwood Park, AB T8A 3W7
Attention: Wastewater Foreman
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What happens next?
County staff will assess the property and provide a written quotation that will outline the work that needs to be completed, offer several options for rehabilitation (if applicable) and provide costs to the homeowner. The quotation includes those costs from the start of the project until its completion including surface restoration to original condition.
If you decide to proceed with the program, you must contact the Utilities department. Scheduling, program options, financing and contracts will then be coordinated.
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Further information
780-467-7785
scutilities@strathcona.ab.ca
Last updated: Friday, October 08, 2010
Page ID: 2174