Every year, we flush the hydrant and sewer systems to make sure they are clean, clear and working properly. 

Sewer Flushing

During the sewer cleaning process, it is possible for air pressure to be created inside the sewer pipe. Most of the time, the pressurized air escapes with no impact. Sometimes the air can only escape through the service connection between your house and our sewer system, and will expel through the internal plumbing vents without incident.

2024 Sewer Flushing and CCTV Program 

The Municipality of Meaford and Great Lakes Sewer Services will be sanitary sewer flushing and CCTV inspection of the main sewer lines as part of a regular annual maintenance program. This work is scheduled to start Monday, October 21 and it is anticipated to be completed by November 4, 2024 (weather permitting). The work will take place on regular business days between 7:00 AM and 6:00 PM. 

Notice of Construction - 2024 Flushing and CCTV Program 

Impacted Areas

Key Map 

Map 1B

Map 2B

Map 3B

Map 4B

Map 5B

Map 7B

What is sewer blow-back?
If there is a defect in your home’s plumbing (like a blocked sewer pipe or vent) or the venting is too small or non-existent, the air pressure may escape through a toilet, floor drain or the nearest exit it can find. This can result in the release of unpleasant odours and, in rare occasions, water splashing from the toilet into your home/business. When this happens, it is known as a “blow-back”.
What do I do if I experience a blow-back?

We have never had any report of damage being done to the plumbing by this maintenance process.

If you have blow-back, check your plumbing to ensure that your service connection and vent pipes are clear of debris and are functioning properly.

Flush toilets and run water in any sinks, as well as refill traps in any floor drains affected. This is completed by simply introducing water into them.

 How can I prevent future incidents?

The contractor involved in this project has hand delivered notices to residences that will be affected by the 2022 program. It is advisable to leave all toilet seat lids closed during the maintenance program timeline.

If you experience a blow-back during the maintenance process, notify us at water@meaford.ca or 519-538-1060 extension 1506. We will make a note of the issue at your residence for the next maintenance cycle that is scheduled, approximately every 5 years. If you have experienced this in the past, you can cover the closed toilet seat or drain with an old rag to prevent any water from being splashed out.

 2024 Hydrant Flushing

Staff from the Environmental Services team have begun flushing fire hydrants as part of their annual maintenance program within urban Meaford. Flushing will take place from 7:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Monday to Thursday and is estimated to be completed by October.

If you experience cloudy or coloured water, please run the cold water tap in the bathtub to clear the service lines. This is the recommended tap to run the water through as it does not have a screen to collect any material that may be in the system.

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