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Sanitary Sewer and Water Lines Policy - Public Works
MUNICIPALITY OF RHINELAND
POLICY NO. 2023/ 60
ADOPTED BY:
Resolution No./ 23
Last Updated: Feb 2023
DATE:
February 22 2023
Page: 1 of 1
TITLE:
Water and Sewer Line Blockage Policy
Department: Public Works
PURPOSE: The Municipality of Rhineland recognizes the importance of maintaining
a sanitary sewer and water system that operates efficiently and as trouble free as
possible for their residents. This policy will direct decisions to whom the cost and
responsibility to repair or replace any portion of the sanitary sewer system or water
system will be required.
RATIONALE: From time-to-time Municipality of Rhineland residents report blockages
in the sanitary sewer line. Upon receiving notice from a property owner regarding a
suspected blockage in a sanitary sewer line, the Public Works Department will
attempt to resolve the existing blockages, determine responsibility, and limit future
occurrences as per this policy.
POLICY STATEMENT: This policy refers to maintenance and repair of sewer lines,
water lines and curb stops but does not refer to or make claim to any damage caused
by sewer blockages. All residents should secure their own sewer backup insurance
from a private carrier as the Municipality of Rhineland is only responsible for damage
caused by sewer backup according to the provisions of the Municipal Act which
states:
Limited liability for utilities or services
389
Where a municipality operates a utility or provides a service, it is not liable for
loss or damage as a result of
a) the breaking of a pipe, service line, conduit, pole, wire, cable or other part of
the utility or service; or
b) the discontinuance or interruption of a service or connection;
by reason of
c) accident;
d) disconnection for non-payment or non-compliance with a term or condition of
service; or
e) necessity to repair or replace a part of the utility or service.
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Sanitary Sewer and Water Lines Policy - Public Works
Since the municipality cannot assume financial responsibility for damages resulting
from sewage backups that are beyond their control, it is important that property
owners confirm that they are adequately insured--particularly if areas of their home
lie below ground level. It also reinforces the importance of properly maintaining your
homes plumbing system. The Municipality of Rhineland will periodically inform
homeowners of this policy and the importance of private insurance.
ADMINISTRATION AND PROCEDURES:
Upon receiving the call from the property owner regarding a sanitary sewer blockage,
the Public Works Department will attempt to determine whether the blockage
originates on the service line or the sanitary main line.
A.
Sanitary Service Line Blockages
If it is obvious that the blockage is in the service line, the Public Works
Department will;
1. Assist with making the arrangements with a plumber or drain cleaning
contractor at the homeowner's expense. Reimbursement from the
Municipality of Rhineland will only be given as provided for in this policy.
2. The homeowner will be advised that they may contact a plumber or drain
cleaning contractor to clear the blockage at their expense and that they will
only be eligible for reimbursement from the Municipality of Rhineland for
these costs as provided for in this policy.
B.
Responsibility for Maintenance of Sanitary Sewer Service Lines
1. The property owner will be responsible for the maintenance and repair of
the entire service line between their building and the sanitary sewer main in
the street when the blockage is caused by any of the following;
Grease
Any material or object originating from the property owner side
Tree roots from trees originating from private property
2. The property owner will be responsible for the maintenance and repair of
the service line located on their property when the blockage is caused by
physical pipe failures, faulty installations, or settlements on private
property, including at the point of connection on or near the property line.
3. The Municipality of Rhineland will be responsible for the maintenance and
repair of the service line located on public property when the blockage is
caused by any of the following;
Physical pipe failures, faulty installations, or settlements on
public
property
Tree roots from trees originating on public property
Sanitary Sewer and Water Lines Policy - Public Works
4. The responsibility for maintenance and repairs to service lines will be
determined by an investigation conducted by the Public Works Department
or his designate, based on various contractor maintenance reports, property
history, and video inspections of the service line.
5. If it is determined that the responsibility for repairs or maintenance is that
of both the property owner and the Municipality of Rhineland, the Public
Works Department will attempt to coordinate a repair or maintenance plan
that is amicable to both parties.
C.
Sanitary Main Line Blockages
If it is obvious that the blockage is in the Sanitary Main Line, the Public Works
Department will immediately summons staff and/ or a contractor to respond to
the blockage and clear the main line.
If there is a history of blockages in the section of the main line that experienced
the blockage, the Public Works Department will investigate further by
conducting a video inspection of the line. The Public Works Department will
determine the likelihood of potential problems in the future with the main line
and make recommendations as to the repair or maintenance of the main line.
The recommendations may include repairing the main line, increasing the
maintenance schedule, or recommend that no repair or additional maintenance
of the main line is required.
D.
Curb Stop Repairs
Any curb stop repairs required due to damage by the homeowner or anyone
entering the property of the homeowner will be made at the homeowner's
expense. For example, if a contractor is driving a truck onto a property where
a home is being built and the curb stop is damaged by the truck. This cost to
repair will be at the homeowner's expense and a fine may be imposed as per
the Municipality of Rhineland By-Law Enforcement By-Law.
The Municipality of Rhineland Council may vary this policy if required.