Sewer Backups

In spite of staff’s best efforts, sewer backups can occur. The seriousness of the backup will often determine the City of Mission’s response. If you encounter one or more slow draining plumbing fixtures (toilet, sink, bathtub etc.) in your home or place of business, you should contact and employ a plumber to investigate and attempt to correct the problem because in most cases the problem is either internal or within your property.

If you experience sewage flowing up from fixtures, you should contact Public Works immediately by calling the emergency phone number shown on this page and advise us of your situation. In this very rare situation it is likely the sewer main is blocked and City staff will respond and begin inspecting the sewer for possible blockage.

If you have a complete blockage (no draining of your plumbing fixtures), you should again contact and employ a plumber to investigate and attempt to correct the problem, but should also contact Public Works by calling the emergency phone number shown on this page and advise us of your situation. City staff will begin inspecting the municipal sewer system for possible causes. In most cases, the blockage is internal or within your property and failure to call the plumber will likely result in a delay in restoring use of your facilities. City staff will advise you on the results of their inspection of the municipal sewers but will not investigate nor attempt to correct problems on your property.

With any sewer backup, there is the potential for property damage. Residents should immediately take whatever reasonable steps are necessary (and possible) to minimize the damages, such as:

moving valuable items to a location where they’re not subject to being damaged by backing up sewage; and
seeking help immediately from a licensed plumber.

Public Works 24-Hour line

For Emergency & Non-emergency issues

604-820-3761

What Can I Flush or Put Down the Drain?

Everything that you put down your toilet and household drain ends up in our sewer system.

Flushing non-flushables can cause sewer blockages, damage pipes and treatment systems, backup sewers in your home and result in sewer overflows that harm the environment. This could mean expensive repairs for you and often, increased operations and maintenance costs to the collection system and wastewater treatment plant.

Non-flushable items include Fats, Oils and Grease (FOG), “flushable” wipes, dental floss, and many more.

View the Sewer Savvy Brochure to learn more about what NOT to flush or put down the drain!