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
- Find out who is responsible
- Repair or replace a sewer lateral
- Sewer blockage fees
- Contact us
1. Contact Ontario One Call first
Before attempting to clear a blockage, contact Ontario One Call and ask for a Sewer Safety Inspection.
Call 1-800-400-2255 or visit ontarioonecall.ca.
This is a free service.
2. Call us
After contacting Ontario One Call, call us at 519-886-2310.
City staff answer calls 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
We’ll attempt to clear the blockage and advise you on next steps.
Fees may apply.
If you hire a plumber or try to clear the blockage yourself, you are responsible for the costs.
3. Who is responsible for repairs
We can confirm who is responsible after we check the blockage.
City responsibility
- we will clear normal blockages on city property at no charge
- city responsibility for the sewer pipe starts at the property line
Homeowner responsibility
The property owner is responsible for clearing a sewer blockage if:
- if the blockage is on private property
- property owner misuse or neglect caused the blockage
- city crews can’t access the main sewer clean-out
4. 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 | Conditions | Regular hours fee | After hours fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sewer line blockage removal | Minimum charge | $281.00 | $412.00 |
| Call out fee | Applies when no blockage is found, no clean-out access, or no one is home when crews arrive. | $134.00 | $268.00 |
| Camera inspection – not related to a blockage | Waived if city staff initiates the request. | $188.00 | $188.00 |
| Flushing private main |
Minimum charge Applies to larger sewer lines, like those in townhouse complexes or plazas. |
$420.00 | $636.00 |
Contact us
Contact our utilities team with questions about sewer blockages or repairs:
- call 519-886-2310
- email utilities@waterloo.ca – we check email Monday to Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
If you call on a weekend or after 4:30 p.m. on weekdays, your call will go to our after-hours service. They will contact our on-call team.