Sewer & Water

Sewer issues can result from several common conditions:

Tree Roots

Tree roots naturally seek moisture and may enter older pipes through joints or cracks. Root intrusion can restrict flow and cause recurring blockages.

Grease & Debris

Grease and foreign objects are major causes of sewer problems.

Items that should never be flushed include:

• Feminine hygiene products
• Paper towels
• Baby wipes (even if labeled “flushable”)
• Diapers
• Syringes
• Prophylactics
• Hazardous or restricted waste

Only wastewater and toilet paper should enter the sanitary sewer system.

Frozen Service Lines

In extreme cold, sewer lines may freeze—especially under driveways or areas with limited snow cover. Some lines may re-freeze until temperatures stabilize.

Misaligned Pipes or Sags

Over time, ground movement can cause pipes to shift or settle, creating low spots that trap debris and restrict flow.

Regular maintenance and proper disposal habits can significantly reduce the risk of sewer problems.

If you experience a sewer backup or believe your sanitary service line may be blocked, please follow the steps below.

Step 1: Contact a Licensed Plumber

If sewage is backing up into your home or drains are slow:

• Contact a licensed plumber immediately.
• The plumber should determine the location of the blockage.
• Ask the plumber to identify whether the obstruction appears to be:
• On the private portion (from your home to the property line), or
• On the municipal portion (from the property line to the main).

The property owner is responsible for the private portion of the sanitary service line.

Step 2: Notify the Town Immediately (If Municipal Involvement Is Suspected)

If your plumber suspects the blockage may be located beyond the property line (toward the municipal main), you must notify the Town immediately, including outside regular business hours, before further repair work is completed beyond emergency measures.

During regular business hours: 

780-853-5358

After-hours / Emergency:

780-853-0936

Failure to notify the Town before completing repairs may affect eligibility for cost consideration.

Step 3: Submit Documentation (If Requesting Cost Consideration)

If you are requesting cost consideration for a blockage believed to be on the municipal portion:

You must submit within ten (10) business days:

• Plumber invoices and receipts
• Camera inspection reports (if available)
• Documentation identifying:
• Location of blockage
• Cause (if known)
• Date repairs were completed

If all documentation is not available within ten (10) business days, written notice must be provided within that timeframe advising the Town of your intent to submit the remaining documentation.

Step 4: Town Review Process

Once all required documentation has been received, the Town will review the submission within ten (10) business days.

You will be notified in writing of the Town’s decision.

Submission of documentation does not guarantee reimbursement. Eligibility is determined based on the location and cause of the blockage and compliance with Town policy.

Where to Submit Documentation

In Person:
Attn: Infrastructure & Planning Department
Town of Vermilion
5021–49 Avenue
Vermilion, AB

By Email:
Infrastructure@vermilion.ca

Please include the property address and contact information with your submission.

Important Reminder

Property owners are responsible for maintaining the private portion of their sanitary service line. Common causes of blockages include:

• Grease
• “Flushable” wipes
• Foreign objects
• Tree roots

Proper maintenance can reduce the risk of costly repairs.

If a sewer line is damaged or cannot be cleared, repair or replacement may be required.

Repairs may involve:

• Excavation of pavement, sidewalks, or landscaping
• Temporary gravel or soil backfill
• Restoration once weather permits

Paving, concrete, and landscaping work can only be completed during warm weather (typically May to October).

It is normal for backfilled areas to settle before final restoration occurs.

Once landscaping is restored, the property owner is responsible for watering and maintaining grass and plantings until established.

A leak in a service line can be difficult to detect and costly to repair. Determining who is responsible for the repair of a leak is determined by the location of the leak in the line. If the water leak is located in-between the curb stop and the main, then it is the responsibility of the municipality to repair the leak. If the water leak is located between the curb stop and the home, then the property owner would be responsible for the repair.

The municipality will construct, maintain, and repair the service line from the curb stop to the main.

• During a repair the municipality may have to remove the pavement, sidewalk, and/or landscaping to access the underground utility line.
• After the repair, the area is filled with gravel or soil until it can be restored to its previous condition. This includes replacing underground sprinklers, lawns, planting beds, driveways, sidewalks, curbs, etc. 
• It is normal for the fill material to settle and sink below ground level before it can be restored to its previous condition. Paving, concrete, and landscape work can only be done in warm weather (usually May to October) and will automatically be scheduled for you. Once the landscaping is complete, it is the responsibility of the property owner to water and maintain until grass and plantings have rooted.

The property owner will construct, maintain, and repair of the service line from the curb stop to the house as well as all the pipes and fittings within the home, including the shut-off valve.

• During a repair, the water supply to your home must be shut off at the curb stop.
• We recommend keeping the taps closed during a repair to prevent flooding when the water is turned back on.
• Please contact the Utilities Department at 780-581-2412 to book an appointment.