Why renew or upgrade your sewer connection?
Over time, your private sewer line can crack, collapse, or get blocked by tree roots. Old pipes can also let groundwater into the system, which we call inflow and infiltration. Extra water overwhelms the City's wastewater treatment plant and can cause backups into your home or the street. Renewing or upgrading your line keeps your property connected and protects the environment.
What you are responsible for
As a property owner in Wrenford, you own and maintain the sewer lateral that runs from your home to the City's main sewer line in the road. The City is only responsible for the main line in the street. You must keep your lateral in good repair and free of obstructions under Water & Wastewater By-law 2017-090.
Renewal methods
A licensed plumbing contractor can assess your line and recommend the best renewal method. The City must approve the work before it starts.
- Open trenching — The contractor digs a trench from the house to the street, removes the old pipe, and installs a new one. This is the most common method but requires digging up your yard or driveway.
- Pipe bursting — A specialized tool pulls a new pipe through the old one, fracturing the old pipe outward. This minimizes landscape disruption.
- Pipe relining — A flexible liner coated with resin is inserted into the existing pipe and inflated. It hardens to form a "pipe within a pipe." This is a temporary or long-term fix depending on the liner type.
How to get started
- Hire a licensed plumbing contractor. They will inspect your line, usually with a camera, and recommend the scope of work.
- Apply for a sewer lateral inspection. You or your contractor must submit an application to the City so a City inspector can witness the work or verify the new connection. Learn how to apply.
- Obtain permits. Your contractor will apply for any necessary permits before digging or connecting to the main line.
- Schedule the inspection. Once the work is done, the City will inspect the new lateral. You cannot use the sewer until the City approves the connection.
Fees and contact information
A fee applies for the City's sewer lateral inspection. Check the current water and sewer rates and fees schedule for the exact amount. If you need help finding a contractor or have questions about your lateral, contact the Water and Wastewater department.
Wrenford City Hall
100 Mercer Street, Wrenford, ON N4Q 1A1
Phone: 519-555-0100
Email: [email protected]
For private sewer line questions, you can also email [email protected].