Activities
The Municipality will clean and video the sewer system in the Village of Chester and Western Shore between September 15 and September 19, 2025, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 pm., weather permitting.
In the Village of Chester, we will clean and video Duke Street, Central Street, a section of Valley Road, and Shoreham Village as well as Highway #3 from the intersection of Duke Street to the end of the system immediately east of Pig Loop Road. In Western Shore, our plan is to clean and video Swinimer Road, Young Road, Station Road, as well as Highway #3 from Swinimer to Station Road (see maps for detailed locations).
The cleaning and inspection program keeps the sewer system operating efficiently by helping to prevent blockages and backups; removing built-up debris, such as tree roots, grease, grit and sand; and determining the condition of the sewer so we can repair or replace sewers as necessary. We use a high-pressure nozzle to flush water down the sewer. The dirt and debris are sucked up through a manhole by a large vacuum truck and taken to the Landfill for treatment. It usually takes about one day to clean the sewer on each block. However, some sewers can take longer, depending on their size and condition.
Occasionally during cleaning and inspection, air pressure in the sewer can cause water to splash out through toilets, sinks and drains. Take the following precautions to prevent water damage in your home:
- Close the lids on all toilet bowls.
- Insert drain plugs in all sinks and bathtubs when not in use.
- Remove all floor mats in bathrooms.
- Place a towel around the base of toilets.
If you have a float plug in your floor drain or a backwater valve installed, ensure that it is free of debris and operating properly. Wrap the cover of basement floor drains with plastic (a freezer bag). Place something heavy over drains to keep covers in place.
You may put things back as they were when the equipment has moved off your block.
Sometimes the sewer cleaning and inspection leaves an odour in the home. If so, run some water down the sink and bathtub drains, flush the toilets, pour a pail of water into each basement floor drain and open the windows. After a short time, the odour should disappear. You can use toilets and water while sewer cleaning is happening in your area, but be careful as air pressure in the sewer during the cleaning and inspection can sometimes cause water to splash out through toilets, sinks and drains. Remember to close the lids on all toilet bowls when not in use and insert drain plugs in all sinks and bathtubs when not in use.
There are steps you can take to protect your home against basement flooding, including:
- Install a backwater valve and sump pit drainage system.
- Check and maintain your backwater valve and sump pit drainage system regularly.
- Improve drainage around your house.
For more information, please contact the Public Works Department at (902) 275-1312.
