Old Clay Sewer Pipe Repair

Clay sewers in older Edmonton homes

Most Edmonton homes built before the early 1980s have clay tile sewers. Clay pipe is laid in short sections joined together, so a single line has many joints. Over decades those joints can shift, crack and let tree roots in. Tree roots can grow into sewer service lines and cause backups.

Signs a clay line is struggling

• Backups or slow drains that come back after clearing.
• Gurgling toilets when other fixtures drain.
• A big tree between the house and the street.
• A camera inspection showing roots, cracks or offset joints.

See signs your clay sewer line is failing.

Fixing it

A camera inspection decides the method:

• Lining puts a seamless pipe inside the clay one. It suits long lines, 100 feet or more, but may not work for very short lines or lines with multiple connections. Best done in warmer months in Edmonton so the epoxy cures properly.
• Pipe bursting breaks the clay pipe outward and pulls a new one through. It can put a nearby water line at risk, and can’t fix a sag.
• Dig and replace is needed when the line has a belly or slope problem.

Who pays

In Edmonton, homeowners are responsible for sewer lines on their property. EPCOR is responsible from the property line to the main. Repairs on your property aren’t typically covered by a basic homeowner’s insurance policy.

Add a backwater valve?

Homes built before 1989 weren’t required to have one. If you’re repairing the line anyway, ask about a backwater valve. EPCOR’s subsidy pays up to $800 for eligible homes.