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GUELPH, Ontario, Sept. 14, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Ontario One Call (OOC), Enbridge Gas, TSSA, Utilities Kingston, and Kitchener Utilities are partnering to raise public awareness about Sewer Safety Week, running from September 14 to September 18, 2026. The joint safety initiative aims to inform homeowners and plumbers about sewer safety inspections that can prevent a sewer cross bore when addressing blockages outside their homes.
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“I am proud to collaborate with our partners across Ontario to bring greater focus to sewer safety. Sewer inspections are free and easy to book and help prevent serious incidents, service disruptions, and injuries. They are treated as emergency calls and are available 24/7. If a sewer is blocked, remember to Call Before You Clear. Contact Ontario One Call before attempting to clear the pipe to help ensure everyone’s safety,” said Mitch Panciuk, President and CEO of Ontario One Call.
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Sewer blockages within the home can be safely removed by the homeowner or a licenced plumber. However, if a blockage comes from outsides the home, it is crucial to consider the risk of a sewer cross bore.
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A sewer cross bore occurs when underground natural gas pipes are unintentionally installed through sewer pipes. While uncommon, the situation can remain unnoticed, and pipes can co-exist safely until the sewer pipe is blocked and needs to be cleared.
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Mechanical plumbing tools used to clear blockages can easily damage natural gas pipes and cause a hazardous gas leak.
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Call Before You Clear:
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If a sewer is blocked outside your home:
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- Contact OOC at 1-800-400-2255 before clearing the blockage.
- OOC will notify the gas companies that will perform a free sewer safety inspection.
- If no cross bores are detected, homeowners or plumbers can proceed safely with clearing the blockage. If there is a potential cross bore, the appropriate utility will resolve the issue at no cost.
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“Utilities Kingston remains committed to public and infrastructure safety,” said Rob Bowen, Supervisor of Inspection and Support at Utilities Kingston. “When you request a free sewer safety inspection, our certified damage prevention technicians promptly address any sewer safety concerns within our service area. Remember to always contact Ontario One Call before clearing an outside sewer blockage to avoid the risk of damaging a gas line.”
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“Failing to check for a sewer cross bore before clearing a sewer blockage can have dangerous and potentially catastrophic consequences,” said Owen Kennedy, Director of Fuels Safety Program with the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA). “When plumbing equipment damages a natural gas line that intersects a sewer pipe, it can create a risk of gas leaks, fires, explosions, injuries, and significant property damage. A free emergency locate through Ontario One Call is a simple but critical step that can help prevent these incidents and keep communities safe.”
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About Ontario One Call
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For media inquiries, please reach out to: [email protected].
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Ontario One Call is a public safety administrative authority that acts as a communications link between underground infrastructure owners, and individuals who are planning to dig in the province of Ontario. In 2012, the Ontario Underground Infrastructure Notification System Act was passed, which stipulates by law that anyone in the province of Ontario must contact Ontario One Call before they dig.
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