Sanitary Sewer Installation Program

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Sanitary Sewer Installation Program

An example of the typical back-flow preventer used in residential application.
An example of the typical back-flow preventer used in residential application.

Purpose:

A reliable sanitary sewer system efficiently manages waste by transporting it to treatment facilities. However, all systems are susceptible to backups. Even the most eco-conscious households contribute to sewage waste, including cleaning products, human and animal waste, landscape runoff, weeping tile discharge, and non-flushable items like feminine hygiene products and grease. When pipes back up, all that waste can flow right back into your home, which is both messy and unsanitary.

A backflow preventer, required by law in many municipalities, helps stop sewage from reversing its flow back into your home during pressure build-ups and flooding events. Regular maintenance and cleaning are essential to ensure these devices function effectively when needed.

Goal:

Last year, the Town of Edson introduced a sewer backflow prevention installation program, offering to cover 50% of the installation cost. Following the June floods, we discovered that many homes still flooded because they lacked sump pumps, with weeping tiles directly connected to the sewer line. In response, the Council has expanded the program to also include a 50% reimbursement for the installation of a sump and pump system that discharges outside your home.

**Note this program does not cover a replacement it is for new installations only**

The Sanitary Sewer Installation Program aims to help residents and business owners protect their properties. The Council has allocated a budget for the program, and eligibility is on a first-come, first-served basis until the budget is fully utilized.

The program identifies potential causes of backups, presents solutions, and offers a subsidy (50% of the cost) for installing both "Back-Flow" prevention devices and sump pump systems.

Note: This program is intended for gravity flow systems, not sanitary lift stations.

Process:

  1. Application Submission: Home or business owners must apply to determine if their property is eligible for the subsidy. 

  2. Preliminary Inspection: A Town of Edson representative will conduct a preliminary inspection of the property.

  3. Assessment:

    • The property’s physical location will determine the appropriate backflow preventer.
    • The town representative will review all relevant documentation before visiting the site.
    • On-site, the representative will conduct an external assessment, including a tour around the neighbourhood, checking the nearest sanitary manhole access points, and sanitary flow directions.
    • A thorough internal inspection of the structure will follow, ensuring:
      • There is no in-floor heating system.
      • The main clean-out is located.
      • All fixtures are properly tied into the sanitary sewer system.
      • All fixtures are installed behind the backflow preventer.
    • A camera inspection will be conducted.

  4. Documentation: After the inspection, a checklist and a camera report will be provided to the home or business owner.

  5. Plumber Engagement:

    • The home/business owner is responsible for providing their plumber (must be a journeyman plumber with a Town of Edson business license) with the checklist and camera report.
    • Before proceeding, the owner must contact the Town of Edson’s Public Works Department at 780-723-6461 to ensure the budget is available.

  6. Installation:

    • Once approved, the home/business owner can engage a plumber to install the backflow prevention device and/or sump pump.
    • After the installation, the owner will pay the plumber and submit a copy of the paid invoice to the Town of Edson for reimbursement.

  7. Reimbursement: The Town of Edson will reimburse 50% of the invoice amount.

Required Paperwork:

Please complete the following forms and submit them with your application: