Sewer Disruptions

• If you have any additional questions or concerns relating to your sewer back-up please contact the City at 306-953-4884.

In many cases, cleaning out the line will clear the obstruction. You will need to contact a plumber who will diagnose and correct the issue if possible. Regular cleaning of sewer lines is recommended by all property owners to ensure the integrity of sewer lines over time.

Sewer lines that are in poor condition may benefit from relining. Relining is a process that restores the sewer line to a like-new condition. Relining is where material is inserted into the line, expanded to take shape of the pipe and steamed to solidify it. This is preventative option that can be used before a line collapses and requires a costly and disruptive dig to replace. 

Sewer line replacement is required when a portion of the pipe collapses. Whenever possible it is beneficial to restore the line through relining before a collapse occurs. Relining is a cheaper, less disruptive option. 

If there is a failure, the cost for the investigation, maintenance, repair or replacement covered by the City depends on where the failure occurs. Cameraing (Video footage) of the line is now required as part of the investigation to help determine the cause and precise location of the problem and complete the reimbursement process. 

City-owned portion = 100% reimbursement
City and property owner portion = 50% reimbursement
Property owner portion = 0% reimbursement

These costs can include plumber bills, cameraing of the line, relining or digs to replace or repair the pipe.

Tree removal is a last resort and only done if a dig is required or the tree has deteriorated. Root intrusions are an indication that a sewer pipe is nearing the end of its lifespan. Tree roots are not the cause of a failure as a pipe with good integrity does not allow roots to penetrate. Cameraing (Video footage) of the line is now required as part of the investigation to help determine the cause and precise location of the problem and complete the reimbursement process. 

Relining Program

Where there is a boulevard tree causing intrusions, costs covered by the City are handled differently.  Root intrusion as a result of a boulevard tree qualifies for sewer relining. Under this program, the location of the sewer line is not a factor:

City = 80% of the cost of relining and 100% of plumber bill, cameraing and cleaning if required
Property Owner = 20% of the cost of relining

If you choose not to proceed with relining, costs to clear the line will be covered by the City.

The relining program is on a first-come, first-served basis and will be accommodated as annual budgets allow. 

Junction or joint collapse occurs when a section falls into the pipe. This will create major problems in the main sewer line as well as the house connection.

Tree interference into your sewer systems is a huge problem and can be extremely costly, as ongoing work may be required to keep the roots in check. In Prince Albert, root intrusion into service connections are the cause of the majority of all sewer blockages and is likely to occur in older systems and cracked pipes. 

It is recommended to replace or repair the pipe as soon as you detect fractures to avoid pipe collapse or leaks. Fractures can lead to a service collapse, increasing the cost of repair and inconvenience significantly for the homeowner or business.