All You Need to Know about Sewer Lines & Drainage Systems

Pannunzio Drainage Inc has covered some of the most common questions asked by our customers in Windsor and surrounding areas. We hope these FAQs help answer your queries. In case there is something more you want us to answer about your sewer lines and drainage system, feel free to call us to speak to one of our drainage experts .

Question 1. Why, as a Property Owner, Am I Responsible for My Sewer Line on City Property?

In some municipalities, the town or city is responsible for the city’s property. In the City of Windsor, the owner is responsible for their sewer connection to where it ties into the city’s main sewer. (Bylaw 4921)

Question 2. Should I Repair or Replace My Sewer Line?

As an owner, you should be looking at how old your sewer line is and what shape it is in, which can be determined with a camera inspection. A newer sewer line may only need a repair, yet an older sewer line may have already met its life expectancy and should be replaced.

Question 3. What Is Relining?

Relining is a felt material that is used in conjunction with resins to turn your old sewer pipe into a plastic pipe with no joints.

Question 4. Is Relining as Good as Installing PVC Pipe?

Yes, relining is just as good if not better; the reason for this is because when you reline a sewer, there are no joints; it is one uniform pipe. PVC pipe has joints at every length and at fittings to change direction; with big mature trees growing in the vicinity, tree roots can penetrate joints, which will create problems for the future.

Question 5. Who Should I Hire to Camera Inspect My Sewer Line?

This is a very important decision; you should hire someone capable of continuing with the repair or replacement of your sewer line, whether on private property or on the city's property. The reason for this is because most contractors make a video of the problem, which is good, but it is more important that you know where exactly the line or problem area is, which most contractors do not do because they will not be carrying on with the work. In turn, this will cost you more money doing it twice.

Question 6. Will a Backwater Valve Resolve My Flooding Problems in a Heavy Rain?

Most times, a backwater valve will do the trick. However, when sewer lines are backed up for a long period due to heavy flooding rains and the house does not have a sump pump, flooding can occur to the groundwater building up under your basement floor. This is why the backwater valve and sump pump should be installed in conjunction with one another.