Locate your sewer service
From time to time, homeowners will need to locate where their sewer pipes and other utilities route underneath their properties. Whether you are digging to find a plugged sewer pipe, are planting a tree or building a fence, it is worthwhile and a timesaver to know where the incoming service is.
Before you dig – Call BC One Call: 1-800-474-6886 or *6886 with cell phone to ensure gas line and other utility information is on hand.
Where is my sewer-line located?
Engineering keeps records of connection information for most homes. However, this data will only hint to where the pipes have been replaced on City property. You can contact the Sewer Design Branch at 604-873-7357 and request the sewer connection information for your home. Generally, there are no records of piping plans for pipe-work situated on private property. The City records, if available, will provide information for the homeowner to correlate where the services may run on private property.
If you are trying to locate your sewer connection and your home was constructed post 1930, chances are Sewers will have a record of where the City and private portions of the pipe meet at the property-line. The standard depth of sewer connections is approximately 1.5 metres or 5 feet at the property-line. However, connection depth can often fluctuate.
What is a sump and where would I find it?
A storm sump is primarily used for the collection of storm-water that flows from the gutters and drain-tiles and controls the level of water by sending it to the City main-line. Typically, sumps are concrete chambers, either cylindrical or square in shape, and can be located inside or outside of the home. In some very old homes, sumps were not installed and the flow of water percolates directly to a rock pit or the ground. With the lid off and peering into the sump, you will notice several inlets and one outlet. The outlet should have a working backwater valve and the level of water in the sump should be at a point past the goose neck or bend of the valve assembly. The water level in the sump acts as a barrier or lock to prevent sewer gases from the City's main-line escaping into the atmosphere - in particular, your home. For on property sewer and water system questions, please contact Plumbing Inspections at 604-873-7601. Please note that Engineering primarily deals with issues up to the City and resident property-line.
How do I locate the property-line or front boundary to my lot?
Without bothering a surveyor, homeowners can get a rough idea as to where their property and the City property meet near the street. This is useful information to have when excavating near the property-line. To locate an orthographic photo of your property, go to VanMap.
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