Waterline and Sewer Line Freeze Up and Damage/Blockage Policy — full text

This is an automated transcription (OCR) of the captured official document — minor recognition errors are possible; the source document governs. Snapshot e525e469c619 · verified 2026-06-05 · original document · archived snapshot · unofficial consolidation, the official version is held by the municipal clerk.

## Town of Wabush Section: Public Works Policy: Waterline and Sewer Line Freeze Up and Damage/Blockage #: PW-FWSL-001-A1 ## PURPOSE The purpose of this policy is to outline the level of responsibility and associated costs relating to frozen or broke/blocked water and sewer lines within residential and industrial/commercial areas within the Town of Wabush. ## PROCESS The Town recommends property owners or tenants to discuss with their insurance provider, available coverage, and limitations in the event of damages sustained due to water/sewer line freeze up and breaks or sewer backup. To avoid frozen/water lines, the Town recommends the following: - Properties situated within the main town site that may have experienced a water/sewer line freeze up(s) in the past, maintain a minimum running flow of cold water throughout the winter season. - Mobile/mini homeowners, ensure heat trace is working and the area beneath the residential unit is closed in and the necessary insulation in place. - Install a bleeder line and ensure the valve is in an open position throughout the winter months. - Maintain snow cover over service laterals. The Town does not accept responsibility for a frozen water/sewer lateral(s) which runs from the main building or for frozen water/sewer lines situated inside a building or structure. The Town shall not be responsible for carrying out work, nor for the costs associated with the thawing of frozen lines running from the Town's main line infrastructure to a building or structure or frozen lines located inside a building structure. The Town does not accept responsibility for frozen/broken/blocked water/sewer lines from the main to the home/building or inside the home/building. The Town will attempt to confirm if the main is flowing. If a home or building is unoccupied and the water line is frozen from the house line to the Town main water line or sewer, it shall be the responsibility of the home or business owner for thawing. There is a possibility in this case of damaging the Town's main line which could be detrimental. - Residents may be billed back for costs The Town incurs associated with freeze ups. Property ownership may need to be validated prior to work commencing for appropriate approvals. However, any action required to prevent property and Town infrastructure damage may supersede this requirement. Any property owner, who feels there are additional circumstances affecting a decision made as a result of this policy, shall provide a written statement and documentation supporting the property owner's claim to the Town of Wabush for consideration and a recommendation to Council by the Public Works Committee.    Date Approved: May 21/2026 26-5 Meeting #: Mayor: Alaming Town Clerk:≤ I Kideon