Metro Vancouver regularly flushes sewers to clear blockages and prevent sewer overflows. Sewer flushing takes place at night and before the wet-weather season.
About sewer blockages
Blockages in the sewer system can occur when fats, oils, and grease travel through pipes, where they harden and adhere to other materials, creating “fatbergs". When the pipes become blocked, the sewers can overflow into homes, businesses, and the environment.
To prevent this from happening, Metro Vancouver crews use high-pressure cleaning nozzles and customized tools to find and loosen the grease, thereby removing buildup. This process is called “flushing".
Impacts and timing of sewer flushing
Typical impacts during sewer flushing may include:
- Noise outside of standard hours
- Use of lighting and other construction equipment
- Presence of vehicles such as vacuum and flushing trucks
- Temporary minor traffic impacts
- Crews in the area
Sewer flushing typically takes place overnight when flows are at their lowest to prevent sewer overflows in the area. Flushing of the sewer lines must always be completed before the wet weather season begins.
Disposal of fats, oils, and grease
Fats, oils, and grease should go in your green bin, not down your sink.
Metro Vancouver crews clear debris from sewer pipes with high power water sprays to reduce sewage overflows. Dislodging a city-block long fatberg required an inventive approach.