Hiring a plumbing or drainage contractor

When pipes may need to be dug up

This section is primarily written for those experiencing sewer or drainage problems; however, many of the tips are the same for those who must call a contractor to dig up and replace your water-line. For particular details regarding pipe replacement work on private property, please contact the Plumbing Inspection Branch at 873-7601 or see the Development Services website.

When sewer or drainage pipes need to be repaired or replaced on private property, a private contractor is who you'll need to turn to.  Please note, the City cannot recommend firms or companies for hire as this creates a conflict of interest.  What we can do is arm you with information, so you can make the most informed and confident choice possible. 

What possibly could be the problem?

Are you experiencing a water-line, a sewer-line or drainage problem?  Water-line problems are usually easy to detect as you will notice a loss of water pressure from your taps and most likely hear the sound of water rushing through the pipes in your home, even though your taps are turned off.  Water might also be bubbling up from your lawn or from the pavement signifying a substantial leak. Locate your water service in order to shut-off the incoming service at the City shut-off valve. 

For sewer and drainage related trouble, understanding how your sewer and drainage system works will help you identify the problem and the possible solution.

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What should I consider first?

One of the first things people consider is cost.   Keep in mind prices and services can vary due to the techniques and equipment used.  For instance, one contractor may deal with the excavation by having labourers hand-dig, and another may hire a backhoe to unearth pipes.

Overall, the costs for materials and pipe will be fairly inexpensive.  Ask the contractor what they charge hourly for labour and equipment.  Knowing the location or path of an underground pipe and depth will help firm up your quotes.  Having the sewer-line scoped or traced with radio wave detection will accurately locate the path and depth of the pipe underground.  You may want to have this information completed first before interviewing contractors.  Most plumbing companies can provide this service.

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How do I find a reputable contractor?

If possible, attempt a minimum of four quotes from different companies and ask the contractor questions about how, when and what work will be completed.  Do you have friends or neighbours who can recommend a plumbing or drainage contractor?  Once you have narrowed your search, you may want to check with the Better Business Bureau at 604-682-2711 to see whether any complaints have been lodged against the company.  Get references from previous work the contractor has completed, especially if the quote seems particularly low in cost.  Drive by the referenced site and see whether the yard has been reinstated.

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How will I know what work needs to be done?

Since we often cannot see the cause of the plumbing or drainage problem, it can be difficult nailing down the scope of the work involved.  In some cases, requesting a video inspection of the pipe will confirm what kind of repair needs to be made.  A number of plumbing and drainage contractors have video equipment that can be placed into a plumbing system through a clean-out access or toilet stub.  This equipment pin-points breaks, flat spots, grease, root intrusions or other common troubles.  If you are thinking about having your sewer-line inspected, ensure the contractor makes a VHS or DVD copy or provides a comprehensive written report of the video inspection for you in case you need to refer to the information.  Remember, if you have doubts about the quoted repair, a second opinion can also shed light and provide more information about the type of repair needed.

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What if I can’t afford the repair?

Drainage and sewer-line replacement costs can be quite expensive.  You may want to only have a portion of the piping replaced or you may want to consider completing the work in stages or undertaking some of the excavation work yourself.  You can subcontract different pieces of the work.  For example, you could hire unskilled labourers to excavate the pipe and then put down a layer of bedding rock and then hire a drainage contractor to lay the pipe.  You can then rehire the labourers to put the soil back and landscape your yard.  If you do consider subcontracting, please research proper techniques for bedding and backfilling a pipe. 

Another option to think about is the cost of annual or semi annual maintenance versus repair or replacement cost.

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What else should I be aware of?

Before hiring a contractor, confirm whether they are registered for insurance coverage with WorkSafe BC, (formerly, Worker’s Compensation Board of B.C.).  As a homeowner or resident, if you employ a worker or contractor, a gardener or landscaper on a regular basis, you may be required to register for insurance coverage with WorkSafeBC.  You do not need to register if you hire a person or business:

For more information, go to WorkSafeBC.com.

If you are hiring workers who will be digging on your property, be mindful they follow WorkSafe B.C. shoring regulations.  This piece of legislation is very strict when it comes to workers entering non-shored or non-sloped trenches.   Injuries and fatalities from soils caving in do occur, and so excavations need to be adequately reinforced with structured or sloped walls as per the WorkSafe regulations.

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Is there anything else?

Once you find a contractor, have them provide you with a contract for exactly the work rendered.  Let them know what your expectations are - that way you are protected in case there is a breach.  Envision how you want the contractor to leave your property in terms of when the work is completed - extra dirt carted away, grass seed put down, mud washed off the driveway, etc.  Don't forget to include completion dates so you don't have to wait for weeks with a gaping hole or a mountain of dirt in your front yard while the contractor is working elsewhere.  Will they guarantee their work?

As well, ensure that the required permits are acquired for the work involved.  Permits make certain the work will be inspected per the appropriate building guidelines. This will guarantee workmanship and often fulfills a homeowner’s home insurance coverage if further problems arise.  Pipes or conduit cheaply or improperly installed can end up causing you further headaches and more costs.  Remember the old saying…do it right the first time.

If you are renewing or repairing the main sewer pipe, you should consider installing a clean-out access outside the home.  A proper clean-out, although not a permanent solution to a pipe requiring replacement due to root growth or poor hydraulics, will help prevent recurrence through annual maintenance.  Furthermore, an outside clean-out will allow workmen to clean or clear the pipe without having them or their equipment entering your home.

Lastly, big advertisements in the yellow pages don't necessarily mean quality or value.  Consider some smaller organizations for quotes in your quest. The more information and understanding of the work involved, the more confident you will feel deciding on a particular contractor.

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