Sewer Lateral Repair & Replacement in Victoria, BC

Signs your lateral is failing

Repeated blockages, sewage smells in the yard, a soggy or sunken strip of lawn, water backing up into the lowest drain during heavy rain, rats near the house, or a plumber finding roots every time they clean the line.

Clay, cast iron and roots

Clay pipe was laid in short sections with joints that let roots in as they age. Cast iron rusts from the inside and can crack or collapse. Garry oaks, maples and big cedars all send roots looking for water and nutrients, and a cracked joint is an open door.

Who owns what

In most Greater Victoria municipalities the homeowner owns the lateral from the house to the property line, and the municipality owns the part from the property line to the main. Some municipalities have inspection chambers at the property line. Ask your municipality before work starts.

Repair or replace

A single broken section can be dug up and replaced. Where the whole line is failing, replacement is usually better value. Trenchless methods such as pipe bursting or lining can reduce digging under driveways, mature trees and gardens, where the line suits them.

Permits and inspections

Replacing a lateral usually needs a municipal permit and an inspection before backfilling. A plumber who works in your municipality will know its rules and which section it is responsible for.

Start with a camera

Before any digging, a camera inspection shows the pipe material, depth, the location of breaks and how much of the line is affected. Send a request and a plumber will get in touch.