The cleaning and inspection is required by Insituform for the purpose of preparing the sewer mains for the eventual installation of the CIPP and it will keep the sewer system operating efficiently by:  

• helping prevent blockages and backups
• removing built-up debris, such as tree roots, grease, grit and sand
• determining the condition of the sewer so we can repair or replace sewers as necessary

They will use a high-pressure nozzle to flush water down the sewer. The dirt and debris are sucked up through a manhole by a large vacuum truck and taken to a disposal site.

As part of the initial preparation of the sewer mains for the purpose of installing the CIPP Insituform will be inserting and operating a remotely operated closed circuit television (CCTV) camera into the sewer main to record its condition and to also identify all of the residential and commercial sewer services entering into the sewer mains from all of the properties within Ferintosh.

It usually takes a few hours to clean each street. However, some sewers can take longer, depending on their size and condition.

You certainly can. Occasionally during cleaning and inspection, air movement in the sewer can cause water to splash out through toilets, sinks and drains. This is often a result of inadequate venting within the plumbing system of the home. Ensuring your homes plumbing system is in good condition and is up to current codes can reduce the likelihood of this occurring. Take the following precautions to prevent water damage in your home: 

• Close the lids on all toilet bowls when not in use.
• Insert drain plugs in all sinks and bathtubs when not in use.
• Remove all floor mats in bathrooms.
• Place an old towel around the base of toilets.
• If you have a float plug in your floor drain or a backwater valve installed in your house, ensure that it is free of debris and operating properly.
• Wrap the cover of your basement floor drains with thick plastic (i.e., a freezer bag). Place something heavy over the floor drains to keep the plastic-covered floor drain covers in place. 

Please follow the precautions above for all remaining fixtures (toilets, sinks, and drains). 

Sometimes the sewer cleaning and inspection leaves an odour in the home. If so, run some water down the sink and bathtub drains, flush the toilets, pour a pail of water into each basement floor drain, and open the windows. After a short time, the odour should disappear

Yes. However, be careful as air pressure in the sewer during the cleaning and inspection can sometimes cause water to splash out through toilets, sinks and drains. Remember to close the lids on all toilet bowls when not in use, and insert drain plugs in all sinks and bathtubs when not in use.

The sewer cleaning program is one of the steps that we take to reduce the risk of sewer backup. This is normally done every 2-3 years.  Homeowners should ensure that any work that is done to your plumbing system is done with the appropriate permits issued. This will reduce any risks related to faulty plumbing. 

• install a backwater valve and sump pit drainage system with a building permit.
• check and maintain your backwater valve and sump pit drainage system regularly.
• improve surface drainage at ground level away from your house.