Every residential and commercial property in the city that is serviced by the water distribution system should have their own individual sanitary service lateral which receives the effluent wastewater from the property and sends it into the wastewater collection system.
The sanitary service is described in two sections, the public and private drain connections. These descriptions are for construction purposes only, it is important to note that the property owner owns and is responsible for the entire sanitary service lateral from the home to the sewermain.
If there is a sanitary service lateral blockage which results in a backup into the home, the property owner is responsible for the maintenance or repair required to correct the issue as they own the entire sanitary service lateral. The city does not offer a sanitary service lateral clearing or “rodding” service, so it is recommended that a plumber be contacted if necessary. The city does offer a CCTV pipe inspection service which if requested, will be charged to the homeowner.
The reason that there is a distinction between the public and private sides of the lateral even though the property owner owns the entire pipe is that, in the event that the lateral needs to be repaired or replaced on the public right of way, the city has to be the one to make the repairs as the work is being done on city property and not private property. Any work done beyond the property line towards the dwelling can be done at the owners discretion, the city will not work on private property.
The city offers a sanitary service replacement subsidy if the homeowner wishes to replace the entire lateral instead of making a spot repair on one section of the pipe. Details for the subsidy program including eligibility requirements can be found on the city website.
For more information on sanitary service ownership, please refer to City of Stratford Policy S.1.6. Sanitary Service Ownership or by calling the City of Stratford Environmental Services Department at 519-271-0250 ext. 222.