Posted by: Karim Ali
Coffee with Karim
Some Sewer Lines Need Replacing!
Centretown and The Glebe are two of Ottawa’s most charming and sought-after neighbourhoods. The older homes, tree-lined streets, and walkable lifestyle make them great places to live. But with older homes come aging sewer lines, and that can mean costly problems if not properly maintained.
Sewer issues aren’t something you think about—until there’s a problem. And when there’s a problem, it’s expensive. In this blog, I’ll go over why sewer lines in Centretown and The Glebe can be a concern, how to spot problems early, and what you can do to fix or prevent them.
1. Why Are Sewer Lines a Problem in These Neighbourhoods?
Centretown and The Glebe are among Ottawa’s oldest neighbourhoods, with many homes built over 100 years ago. If the sewer lines haven’t been replaced, they’re likely made of outdated materials that crack, clog, or collapse over time.
What Kind of Pipes Are in These Older Homes?
- Clay Pipes (pre-1950s): Very brittle and prone to cracking and root invasion.
- Cast Iron Pipes (1950s-1970s): Stronger but can rust and corrode, leading to blockages.
- Orangeburg Pipes (1940s-1970s, rare but still found in Ottawa): Made of compressed wood and tar, these are extremely weak and can collapse under pressure.
If your home hasn’t had a sewer line replacement in decades, you could be at risk for major plumbing issues.
2. Signs Your Sewer Line Might Be Failing
You might not think about your home’s sewer line until there’s a blockage, flood, or bad smell. Here are some early warning signs that your sewer line might need attention:
✅ Frequent Drain Clogs or Slow Draining: If your sinks, tubs, or toilets drain slowly, it could mean a blockage deep in the sewer line.
✅ Gurgling Noises from Toilets or Drains: Strange sounds coming from your pipes could mean air pockets in a broken sewer line.
✅ Sewage Smell in the Basement or Yard: A musty or rotten smell inside or outside your home can be a big red flag.
✅ Water Pooling in the Basement or Yard: If water gathers near your foundation after rain or if there are unexplained wet patches in your yard, your sewer pipe could be cracked.
✅ Tree Root Invasion: Large trees in The Glebe and Centretown often have roots that break into old clay pipes, causing blockages and pipe damage.
If you notice any of these issues, don’t wait – a small problem can turn into a big (and expensive) one fast.
3. What Can You Do If Your Sewer Line is Damaged?
If your sewer line is starting to fail, here are your options:
🔹 Sewer Camera Inspection ($300-$500): If you’re unsure about your sewer line’s condition, hire a plumber for a camera inspection. This will show cracks, clogs, or root invasion inside the pipe.
🔹 Hydro Jetting or Snaking ($500-$1,500): If tree roots or debris are clogging the line, a plumber can use a high-pressure water jet or drain snake to clear the blockage.
🔹 Pipe Relining ($3,000-$7,000): A trenchless method where a new pipe lining is inserted into the existing pipe, sealing cracks and reinforcing it.
🔹 Full Sewer Line Replacement ($7,000-$20,000+): If the pipe is beyond repair, replacing it with a new PVC pipe is the best long-term solution.
4. Preventing Sewer Line Issues in Older Homes
If your sewer line is still in decent shape, there are simple things you can do to extend its life and avoid costly repairs:
✔️ Know What You’re Getting into Before Buying: If you’re buying a home in Centretown or The Glebe, pay for a sewer scope inspection or confirm with the sellers whether or not the sewer line was ever replaced. It could save you thousands.
✔️ Use Enzyme-Based Drain Cleaners: Avoid chemical drain cleaners that corrode old pipes. Instead, use enzyme-based products that break down organic waste safely.
✔️ Be Careful What You Flush: Never flush wet wipes, grease, coffee grounds, or food scraps down the drain – even if they say “flushable.”
✔️ Install a Backwater Valve: This device prevents sewage from backing up into your home during heavy rains. The City of Ottawa offers rebates for installing one.
✔️ Replace Old Sewer Lines Before They Fail: If your home still has clay or Orangeburg pipes, consider replacing them with PVC before a major failure happens.
That's All
Older homes in Centretown and The Glebe come with charm, but also aging plumbing. If your home’s sewer line hasn’t been replaced in decades, it could be at risk for leaks, blockages, and costly repairs.
The best thing you can do is stay ahead of the problem. Watch for early warning signs, ask for more information, book a camera inspection if needed, and plan for repairs before a full collapse happens.
If you’re buying a home in these areas, always confirm the sewer situation before firming up on your conditions.
Bonus tips
1
Check for Tree Roots Near Your Home
If you have large trees near your house, ask a plumber to check for root intrusion in your sewer line every few years.
2
Know Your Home Insurance Coverage
Some standard home insurance policies don’t cover sewer backups or pipe failures. Check with your provider to see if you need extra coverage for sewer line damage and water backup protection. This small add-on could save you thousands in repair costs.
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