When your sewer backs up, it is understandable to want immediate service to clear the blockage. However, your plumbing company may mention that they have to get a Sewer Lateral inspection or a Sewer Safety inspection. Not necessarily what you would like to hear, especially when it means a two hour delay in getting someone out. For your safety, the safety of your neighbours, and the safety of the technician coming out, a Sewer Safety Inspection is key.
A Sewer Safety Inspection is a free locate of your sewer and gas lines, and is completed for the service company and the gas company. This is done to ensure that the gas line has not intersected the sewer line.
It is important to have the Sewer Safety Inspection completed if motorized sewer clearing equipment is going to be used, as the equipment could damage the gas line. A damaged gas line in a sewer can leak into sewer services, sewer mains, and nearby buildings.
Even if you do not have gas service to your home, if you live in a community that has natural gas, a Sewer Safety inspection is still needed, as there is the possibility of a sewer intersection when gas was installed for a neighbour.
We prefer to ensure the safety of our customers, neighbours and employees, so we call in a Sewer Safety before we attend emergency sewer calls.