Annual sewer cleaning and televising throughout Steinbach will take place starting Tuesday, October 11 until Wednesday, October 19. During this time, nearly 8,000 metres of pipe will be cleaned and televised.

The work is routine preventative maintenance of the sanitary sewer system. Sections to be cleaned are determined based on information gained during monthly inspections, last cleaning or televising date, and critical level of service. The pipes are cleaned by a high-pressure flushing system that runs fresh water through the lines to clear away any sedimentary deposits. Vacuum trucks pick up water and sediments further down the line. A remote-controlled self-propelled camera vehicle is then sent through to inspect the line and ensure that the pipes are clean, and the infrastructure is in good condition.

Affected residents will receive a courtesy notification on their door before their street is worked on. The work may take place anytime during the two days following receipt of the notice. If any problems are identified, another notice will be given at that time. The City thanks all residents in advance for their cooperation with the maintenance of our wastewater infrastructure.

Here is the list of streets that the City is focusing on this year:

  • Hanover Street (174 to Reimer Ave)
  • PTH 52 West
  • Home Street
  • Hospital Street
  • Second Street (Reimer to Barkman)
  • PTH 12 North (west side)
  • Penner Street
  • Reimer Avenue (Hanover to Hespeler)
  • Stone Bridge Crossing

City officials say that sewer lines on some other streets may be cleaned if time and budget allow. Houses along those streets will be notified in advance.

If your street is listed above, you will receive notice before the work takes place. Homeowners should take the following precautions:

  • Cover all toilet bowls (under the lid) with saran wrap to prevent water from spraying in some cases where the vent might be plugged or the main lines are extremely dirty.
  • Sinks & Bathtubs – Insert the plugs (in all sinks and bathtubs).
  • Floor Traps in the Basement – Place a piece of plastic under the cover and put something heavy on top of the trap.
  • Odours – If you experience an unpleasant odour in your house after the flushing process, run some water in all sinks with traps, flush the toilet, pour some water into the floor trap in the basement and open the windows for a short period of time. This should eliminate the odour.

Should you require any further information, please contact the City’s Waterworks Department at 204-346-6211, between 8am and 5pm, or 204-346-6232 after 5pm. If you do not get an answer, please leave a message with your contact information so that a staff member can call you back.