LET’S TALK

www.aerzen.ca but are no longer so.

2. Foundation drains connected when residents re-plumb their sump pump. Or, if they remove the sewer cleanout cap so that the water discharges by gravity into their sewer lateral. Plumbers and building inspectors across Canada identify that these are very common. These are clearly illegal.

It is time that we distinguished between these two types and start a program to remove the second kind (sump pumps disconnected, or re-routed). We will eventually need to address the legal, non-conforming type, but let us get started with the easier ones, first.

Now, we already have the means to start tackling illegal foundation drain connections, easily and at very little cost. Every time a building inspector enters a home, they should inspect the basement plumbing and identify these illegal connections. A photo can be taken, and a letter issued to the resident, with a follow up scheduled.

Norton Engineering has been discussing this with building inspectors and plumbers for many years. There is nothing in the building code that prevents an inspector from doing a proactive inspection. As such, there is no legal reason why municipalities cannot direct building departments to adopt this practice. Since the inspector is already there, this represents an efficient and cost-effective means of identifying illegal foundation drains. Obviously, a program must be built around this, likely involving by-law staff, but any framework could be used.

Some municipalities are already proactively protecting residents from harm. In Kitchener, where author Barbara Robinson lives, the utility contacted residents regarding mandatory natural gas meter replacement. While on site to conduct this replacement, the technician inspected her outdoor gas line and determined that it was unpainted.

A letter was subsequently issued her, advising that this pipe does not conform to CAN/CSA-B149, 1-10, Section 6.16.1, which states “outdoor piping or indoor piping and tubing that is exposed to atmospheres that are corrosive to the piping shall be protected by either painting or coating.” She was advised that an infraction notice will be issued if this is not corrected.

Now, the gas utility concerns itself with resident safety, of course. Basement flooding is also a health and safety issue. Studies now confirm that these incidents can cause PTSD and other longterm health effects. Basement flooding is substantially more common that gas explosions. So, why aren’t we tackling it the same way?

Once a municipality initiates this program and gets it up and running, they can consider how to tackle the legal, non-conforming connected foundation drains. It is always best to implement programs that tackle the low-hanging fruit first, and then evolve it beyond that once it is established.

IDENTIFY PRIVATE SIDE I/I WITHOUT HOUSE ENTRY

Norton Engineering is currently assisting the Town of Amherstburg in implementing the new national sewer guideline. After background review and field investigation, the project team elected to start with a pilot project approach in a 120-home sewer shed.

Peak wet weather I/I is ten times higher than an average day in this area, and it has experienced flooding in the past. The town has cleanouts at most property lines, and in the first pilot area (Ventnor Pilot Area #1).

Originally, house to house basement plumbing inspections were undertaken, with engineering and building staff present. However, Dwayne Grondin, one of the town’s engineering staff, conceived of a solution that does not involve house entry, that is simple and cost-effective. The town is going to bring the cleanouts at property line up to above grade for easy access. Then, during rainstorms, operations staff will open cleanouts and will be able to see directly if there is excess flow coming from the private side.

On this basis, staff will clearly understand which homes are connected and can take corrective action. With the cleanout available, staff can easily return to re-inspect to confirm that necessary works were completed. Currently, the town intends to remove these aboveground extensions, but keeping them is also a good idea so that residents cannot re-connect after conformance.

Obviously, a flow monitor has been installed at the downstream end of the pilot area so that we can track I/I reductions. The project team has already identified a substantial inflow source draining a backyard ponding area that will be addressed.

Summary

Private side I/I makes up more than half of the I/I in our sewer systems. This contributes directly to flooding and costs all residents. It can and should be removed proactively by municipalities, using tools already available to them. This can be achieved efficiently and cost-effectively and should be implemented across Canada. Private side I/I is only one of the many issues tackled in the new national sewer guidelines, which all should read.

Barbara Robinson is with Norton Engineering Inc. Dwayne Grondin, CET, and Antonietta Giofu, P.Eng., are with the Town of Amherstburg. For more information, visit: www.nortonengineeringinc.ca