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Spring Cleaning

Cleaning of Underground Systems

Halifax Water regularly removes accumulated debris from undergroud systems. The following is a list of combined sewer overflow (CSO) system locations that are cleaned on a regular basis:

1. Duffus Street
2. Young Street
3. North Street
4. Upper Water Street
5. Maritime Museum of the Atlantic
6. Sackville Street
7. Pier A, intersection of Barrington and Inglis Streets
8. Atlantic School of Theology
9. Balmoral, located in Point Pleasant Park
10. Salter Street
HSP CSOs
Harbour Solutions Project map of CSO locations (click on image to enlarge)
Odours

As in past years, the spring/summer weather can generate odours in isolated areas in the sewage collection system. Every possible action will be taken to minimize any odour concerns.
 
However, sewer odours in your home or place of business can occur for a number of reasons. While these odours are unpleasant, they rarely pose any health hazard. Often, these odours can be easily traced and fixed.

Problems with plumbing fixtures or "traps" can also generate sewer odours. Residents and business owners should check the following if they are experiencing any odours:

Odour Checklist

check the "P"-shaped trap to ensure water is resting in the line/pipe

periodically run water through drains that are not regularly used (these lines can dry out over time and allow sewer gas into the home)

loose toilets can produce sewer odours; check your toilet(s) for leaks at the toilet base
food garberators can generate odours that can be mistaken for sewer gas
organic debris can build up in the trap and generate odours that can be mistaken for sewer gas; a rapid flushing of the line can often clean out the debris or you can remove the clean-out plug in the trap to check for a blockage

If these quick checks do not solve the problem, you should contact a professional plumber to investigate other possible plumbing issues. Read our "Guide to Sewer Back Ups" for answers to common questions and details on how to protect your home or office from sewer back ups.

Guide to Sewer Backups
Guide to Sewer Backups

Guide to Sewer Backups

Useful Tips
(PDF, 831KB)

Guide to Sewer Backups

Frequently Asked Questions

(PDF, 770KB)