Watch for unusual changes in how your drains are working, such as:

• Toilets that won’t flush properly;
• Multiple slow or clogged drains;
• Gurgling sounds from toilets or drains;
• Water coming up through a floor drain, sink or bathtub; or
• Sewage or wastewater entering your home.

If you think you may have a sewer backup, stop using water and call the Town’s 24-hour Water & Wastewater Line at 403-634-8668.

The Line is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

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What should I do while I wait for Town crews?

• Stop using water until the problem has been inspected.
  • Don’t flush toilets, run taps, take showers, or use your dishwasher or washing machine.

• If sewage has entered your home, keep children and pets away from the affected area and avoid contact with the wastewater.
• Take photos if needed for insurance purposes.
• Contact your insurance company as soon as possible, in case you need to make a claim.
• Move valuables/belongings away from the location (up off the floor), if possible.

First, call the Town's 24-Hour Water & Wastewater Line: 403-634-8668.

Our crews will help determine where the problem is located.

If the collapsed line is on Town property, the Town will arrange the repair.

If the collapsed line is on your property, the repair is the property owner's responsibility and you will need to hire a qualified contractor. Sewer and water service work in Alberta is subject to provincial plumbing and safety requirements, and contractors may require the appropriate certification.

The cost will depend on the location and extent of the damage, the depth and length of the sewer line, accessibility, excavation required and the type of repair.

The Town cannot provide an estimate for repairs on private property. Property owners should obtain a quote from a qualified contractor before proceeding whenever possible.

Residents may also want to contact their insurance provider. Sewer backup coverage is available in Alberta, but coverage, exclusions and limits vary by individual policy.

There isn't one standard depth for every property. Sewer line depth can vary depending on the age and design of the property, elevation, location of the sewer main and other site conditions.

Each year, the Town identifies areas of the sewer system requiring repair or replacement based on factors such as infrastructure age, condition, recurring blockages and service history.

Every other year, we do major underground utility replacements that include full replacements & upgrades to sewer lines, water lines, and other utilities (like the 41st Avenue Cast-Iron replacement in 2024). On the opposite year, we will do smaller sewer replacements or repairs to areas that are of most significant concern.

Avoid contact with sewage whenever possible. Keep children and pets away from the affected area until it has been completely cleaned and disinfected.

Wear protective gloves and other appropriate protection when handling contaminated materials. Remove sewage and contaminated materials, then thoroughly clean and disinfect affected surfaces. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after removing protective equipment. More guidance is available here.

For a significant backup, consider using a professional restoration company and contact your insurance provider as soon as possible.

For questions about safely cleaning an area contaminated by sewage, residents can also contact Alberta Health Services Environmental Public Health.

It may be worth discussing with a qualified plumber or sewer contractor, particularly if your home has an older sewer service or you've experienced recurring slow drains, backups or other sewer problems.

A sewer camera inspection can help identify problems such as tree-root intrusion, damaged or collapsed pipes, blockages and deterioration before a complete failure occurs.

The Town of Taber does not offer camera line inspections- please contact a plumber. 

Sewer backups can happen for several reasons, including:

• Tree roots growing into sewer lines;
• Cracked, damaged or collapsed pipes;
• Buildup inside the line;
• Grease and fats put down drains; or
• Items being flushed that don’t break down properly.

The location and cause of the blockage will help determine what repairs are needed and who is responsible for them.

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What should never go down my drain or toilet?

Your toilet and drains aren’t garbage cans. Avoid putting things such as wipes (even if they say flushable), paper towel, hygiene products, diapers, fats, oils and grease into the sewer system.

As a simple rule: only flush human waste and toilet paper.

Many of Taber’s older service lines are made of clay tile pipe. These pipes can allow small amounts of moisture to escape (called "weeping"), which can attract nearby tree roots. Roots can then enter through joints or openings in the pipe and grow inside, eventually restricting wastewater flow or causing a blockage.

Newer PVC sewer lines do not weep in the same way, making them much less susceptible to tree root intrusion.

A majority of Taber’s sewer infrastructure is still clay tile pipe. The Town replaces portions of this aging infrastructure each year as funding and project priorities allow.