Inspection And Cleaning Of Sewer Services

October 20, 2021

Brandon, MB -- The City of Brandon Engineering Services is informing residents that work is underway to inspect and clean sections of the City’s sewer system. This program started on October 4th and will wrap up by the first week in November. 

This program keeps the sewer system operating efficiently by helping to prevent blockages and backups, remove built up debris, such as tree roots, grease, grit, and sand. It also determines the condition of the sewer system so that preventative maintenance can be done by crews to repair or replace sections, preventing larger issues. 

To inspect the sewers, crews insert a remotely operated video camera into the sewer main to record its condition. From the video, crews can determine if they need to repair or replace the sewer. To clean the sewers, crews use a high-pressure nozzle to flush water down the sewer main. The dirt and debris are sucked up through a maintenance hole by a large vacuum truck and taken to the landfill. The sewer connection to individual homes is not being cleaned at this time. 

The sections of the sewer system being cleaned and inspected this year include 1st Street to 18th Street, Pacific Avenue to Victoria Avenue, and sections of Richmond Avenue. A few other side streets may also be impacted by this program. Residents affected will receive a public notice in their mailbox with specific dates of when they can expect crews to be working in their area.  

If crews are working in your area, you may notice that air pressure in the sewer may cause water to splash out through toilets, sinks and drains. To prevent potential water damage in your home, please take the following precautions: 

• Close lids on all toilet bowls when not in use 

• Insert drain plugs in all sinks and bathtubs when not in use 

• Remove all floor mats in bathrooms 

• Place old towels around the base of toilets 

• If you have a float plug in your floor drain or a backwater valve installed in your home, ensure that it is free of debris and is operating properly 

• Wrap the cover of your basement floor drains with thick plastic (e.g., a freezer bag) and put something heavy over the floor drains to keep covers in place 

While this work is being completed in your area, there may be an odour in your home. If this happens, run water down all drains, flush toilets, pour water into each basement floor drain, and open the windows. After a brief time, the odour should disappear. If the odour does not disappear, or if sewage has entered your home, please contact 204-729-2285. 

Water can be used while sewer cleaning and inspection is ongoing.  Please be mindful that air pressure in the sewer may cause water to splash out through toilets, sinks and drains.  

For more information on the cleaning and inspection of the sewer system, please contact the City of Brandon Engineering Services at engineering@brandon.ca or call 204-729-2214.