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Sewer lining program will extend life of infrastructure – with no digging required!

Sewer lining program will extend life of infrastructure – with no digging required!

Utilities Kingston is continuing the now annual sewer lining program to rehabilitate aging pipes and improve operating efficiency – using a process that avoids digging up pipes and disrupting neighbourhoods 

Starting in April, up to 8,000 metres of sanitary sewer main will be lined in several neighbourhoods including Strathcona Park, Grenville Park, Hillendale, Polson Park, and Calvin Park. The program was successfully piloted in 2020, in the Kingscourt area.  

Aside from improving the infrastructure, this work reduces otherwise clean stormwater from infiltrating the sanitary sewer system, increasing pipe capacity and reducing the risk of localized basement flooding. The work will also increase operating efficiency, as reduced sewer flows mean less pumping and treating wastewater. 

Instead of digging up the road along the entire length of the sewer main, Utilities Kingston’s contractor, Insituform Technologies Limited, will access the pipe through maintenance holes to complete the work. This involves preparing the inside of the sewer mains and then inserting a felt liner that is saturated with a resin. This resin compound is then cured-in-place to form what is, essentially, a ‘new pipe within a pipe’. 

Information for residents in the work area: 

To reduce the disruption to customers, the lining work will be completed within a 12-hour period. Residents in the affected area will be notified approximately 1-2 weeks prior, and again 24-48 hours prior to the lining process. 

When the liner is initially inserted, it will temporarily block the sewer laterals that carry wastewater from homes and businesses to the sewer main under the street. Utilities Kingston’s contractor will cut these out to open the service, but residents will need to take temporary measures to reduce the wastewater coming from the property.   

It will be important that residents in the work area take steps to avoid filling the sewer lateral with wastewater, creating a risk of sewer backup to the home. Tips: 

  • Use cottage rules for flushing.
  • Wait to shower, wash clothes, or run the dishwasher until you are notified that the work is complete.
  • Delay washing cars.
  • Every little bit helps. For example, you can turn off the water when you shave or brush your teeth. 

As Utilities Kingston carries out work in your neighbourhoodthey and their contractors remain committed to the health and safety of workers and the public. The utility is adhering to all relevant safety guidelines released by Ontario to protect workers, customers and the general public from COVID-19. 

Workers will not enter customer premises (unless in an emergency). Please practice physical distancing by keeping at least two metres away from Utilities Kingston employees and contractors.  

More information and contacts 

View the Utilities Kingston project page for additional information on this work.

For concerns directly related to this work, call the contractor 24-hour line at 905-523-2605. 

General inquiries can be directed to customer service, Monday to Friday, from 8 AM to 5 PM at 613-546-0000.