Smiths Falls sewer backup linked to disposable wipes and municipal pipe condition
SMITHS FALLS — A Smiths Falls resident is questioning how the town handles sewer backup claims after a December incident he says was caused by a failure on the municipal side.
Brian Stinson brought his concerns to committee of the whole on April 13, outlining two sewer backups at his Daniel Street home over several days at Christmas last year.
According to Stinson, the first backup occurred Sunday, Dec. 21. A plumber attended the property and conducted a camera inspection, which he said showed a defect on the municipal portion of the sanitary lateral.
A second backup followed Dec. 24.
The town replaced a section of pipe on Dec. 29. Stinson told council the issue was resolved immediately after the repair and there have been no further problems.
The total cost to the homeowner was $3,775.74.
Stinson argued the condition of the municipal pipe prevented wastewater from leaving the property, and questioned why he is being asked to cover the cost.
“The main issue remains unchanged,” he told council. “The condition of the municipal infrastructure was repaired, after which the problem was completely solved.”
He also raised concerns about the town’s response, citing months of communication without resolution and what he described as a lack of follow-up from staff.
“We’re not looking for a handout,” Stinson said. “We’re looking for a fair review and resolution of this issue.”
Town staff, however, pointed to the presence of flushable wipes as a contributing factor in the blockage.
Director of Public Works Paul McMunn told committee the town was not notified after the first backup, as required under the town’s sanitary sewer bylaw, and only became aware of the issue after the second incident.
Had staff been notified earlier, McMunn said, the town may have been able to respond sooner and potentially prevent the second backup.
He also noted that wipes were found in the line on both occasions and can easily obstruct flow in smaller-diameter pipes, particularly when combined with minor defects.
“It wouldn’t take a whole lot to impede flow in a sanitary lateral,” McMann said, adding that wipes do not break down like toilet paper and are a known issue across the wastewater industry.
Some members of council echoed concerns about improper materials being flushed, noting ongoing public messaging warning residents against disposing of wipes in the sewer system.
Coun. Dawn Quinn said it may be an opportunity for better messaging to residents to prevent these types of issues.
Committee chair Coun. Jennifer Miller said she was confident staff had handled the situation appropriately, while acknowledging the resident’s concerns.
The committee received the delegation, with no direction for further review. Staff are expected to continue working toward a resolution.
Keep connected to your community—Read the latest Smiths Falls news.
How does he know wipes were found in both backups when he says he wasn’t notified of the first backup.Time to spend money on infrastructure rather than vanity projects.