Report a sewer blockage
If your sewer is backed up or draining slowly, here’s what to do and who to call.
City crews can help find the cause and tell you if the problem is on your property or the city’s side.
On this page:
- Contact Ontario One Call first
- Call the city
- Wait for inspection
- Find out who is responsible
- Repair or replace a sewer lateral
- Sewer blockage fees
- Contact us
1. Contact Ontario One Call first
Before anyone starts work, contact Ontario One Call for a sewer safety inspection. Call 1-800-400-2255 or visit ontarioonecall.ca.
This free service locates underground utilities before any digging or camera inspection.
2. Call us
After Ontario One Call locates your pipes, call us at 519-886-2310.
City staff answer calls 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
We’ll inspect the sewer lateral (the underground pipe that connects your home to the main sewer) with a CCTV camera to find the cause of the blockage.
Fees may apply.
3. Wait for our inspection before hiring a plumber
If you hire a plumber or try to clear the blockage yourself, you’ll be responsible for all resulting costs.
Let city staff inspect first so we can determine who is responsible.
4. Check who is responsible for repairs
Responsibility depends on where the blockage is located.
City responsibility
- we clear normal blockages on city property at no charge
- city responsibility for the sewer pipe starts at the property line
Homeowner responsibility
- if the blockage is on private property
- property owner misuse or neglect caused the issue
- city crews can’t access the main sewer clean-out
We’ll confirm responsibility after inspection.
5. Repair or replace your sewer lateral
If you need to repair or replace your sewer lateral on private property:
- get quotes from qualified plumbers or contractors.
- confirm the location of your property line.
- check if a building permit is required.
- contact the building department at 519-747-8712 or building@waterloo.ca to review your plan
Work that affects city property may need approval before it begins.
Sewer blockage fees
Fees may apply in these situations:
- the blockage is on private property
- no one answers when crews arrive
- no blockage is found
- neglect or misuse caused the issue
- there’s no clean-out access (we don’t remove or work through toilets)
Billing details
- regular hours are weekdays from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- after hours include weekday nights from 3 p.m. to 7 a.m., weekends and holidays
- all fees are subject to HST
Each fee listed is the minimum charge for a standard job. More complex work may include additional costs for time, materials, equipment or administration.
| Service | Regular hours fee | After hours fee |
|---|---|---|
| Sewer line blockage removal – minimum charge | $274.00 | $402.00 |
|
Call out fee Applies when no blockage is found, no clean-out access or if there is no answer at the property when crew arrives. |
$131.00 | $131.00 |
|
Camera inspection – not related to a blockage Waived if city staff initiates the request. |
$183.00 | $183.00 |
|
Flushing private main – minimum charge Applies to larger sewer lines, like the ones in townhouse complexes or plazas. |
$410.00 | $620.00 |
Contact us
If you have questions about sewer blockages or repairs:
- call 519-886-2310
- email utilities@waterloo.ca
After hours, your call will go to our on-call utilities team.