Sewer systems
The sanitary sewer and the storm sewer systems are connected to your home. Each system is vital for managing and removing wastewater and stormwater.
The sanitary sewer
Wastewater is the dirty water from toilets and the soapy water from sinks, showers and laundry.
Pipes running throughout your home collect the wastewater, then it leaves your house through one pipe running beneath your home to the street. This pipe leads to the sanitary sewer system.
About the sanitary sewer system
The Region of Peel maintains the sanitary sewer system.
The sanitary sewer collects wastewater and sends it to a wastewater treatment facility. The facility treats the wastewater before it's returned to Lake Ontario.
Homeowners are responsible for some wastewater pipes
Homeowners are responsible for the pipes that collect wastewater in their homes. You can keep these pipes functioning properly by keeping them free of debris like hair and grease.
The section of pipe that runs beneath a home to the property line is also a homeowner's responsibility. If this pipe gets clogged, it's the homeowner must pay to have it cleared out.
These big clogs are commonly caused by:
- Objects flushed down a toilet.
- Grease poured down the kitchen sink.
- Tree roots.
If you think the pipe beneath your home is clogged or damaged, call the Region at 905-791-7800.
The storm sewer
Stormwater is the water from rain and melting snow.
A storm sewer pipe runs beneath the road outside a row of homes. It collects stormwater and leads to the storm sewer system. Some homeowners have ditches or swales that collect stormwater.
About the stormwater system
The storm sewer is maintained by your local municipality. In Peel, these are the cities of Brampton, Mississauga and the town of Caledon.
If your home has a foundation drain collection system, that system is also maintained by your local municipality.
Your home, neighbourhood and neighborhood roads are designed to channel stormwater. Stormwater flows directly into stormwater management ponds, or into creeks and rivers, which flow into Lake Ontario.
Your neighbourhood is graded to direct stormwater towards the storm sewer. Roads are designed to withstand large amounts of water during large storms, but sometimes water can rise over the curb and on to your property.
Homeowners are responsible for stormwater on their properties
Stormwater on a home's property is the homeowners' responsibility.
You can help stormwater reach the sewer by:
- Removing debris like leaves and snow from storm sewer covers.
- Disconnecting any downspouts that are directly connected to the underground storm drainage pipes.
- Ensuring downspouts run away from your home and to your lawn or garden.
- Checking the grading of your property. (Stormwater should be flowing away from your home and toward the storm sewer.)
Be patient after large storms
If there's a lot of water on your property after large storm, be patient. The excess water will eventually make its way into the storm sewer.
Sewer emergencies – who to call
If water is pooling at a storm sewer catch basin in your neighbourhood, call your local municipality.
- City of Brampton; 311 or 905-874-2500
- City of Mississauga; 311 or 905-615-3000
- Town of Caledon; 905-584-2272, extension 4238
Get more details if your basement is flooding.
24-hour sanitary sewer back up services
Most backups happen when items like roots or grease block the sewer pipe that runs from your home to Peel Region’s main sanitary sewer pipe. This blockage can cause wastewater to back up into your basement from the floor drain.
Peel Region provides emergency help with a sewer backup to Peel households and businesses. This service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
