Water sprinkler exemption permits are available from the City Engineer's Office at 944 James Street during normal office hours 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday at a cost of $25.00
The City of Woodstock is currently rehabilitating and or replacing black pipe laterals as City and County roads are being reconstructed or resurfaced. The City of Woodstock replaces/rehabilitates approximately 25-50 black pipe laterals annually, based on the highest priority combined needs of roads, sewer, water & storm. In emergencies situations, the City will arrive for immediate replacement of laterals that have structurally failed (this usually means that a collapse has occurred in the pipe).
"Black Pipe" is the name given to bituminous fibre pipe that consists of layers of fibre that have been impregnated with bitumen or tar and wound in a number of layers to form a circular pipe. This type of pipe was widely used throughout the world and has been found not to perform as well, over time, as other pipe materials used previously. Approximately 700 to 1000 black pipe sewer laterals were installed in Woodstock during the 1950's and 1960's.
The City of Woodstock provides a free sewer video inspection of black pipe sewer laterals. Residents requiring this service are asked to call 539-2382 ext. 817 should the need arise. If the sewer lateral is made of any other material the sewer video inspection is paid for by the homeowner in most cases.
In addition, if a black pipe sanitary lateral requires replacement due to structural failure, the entire cost of replacement on private property will be at the homeowner's expense. Replacement cost on city property will be borne by the City.
To date the City has replaced approximately 300 laterals; the majority has been through planned replacement in conjunction with other utility or road reconstruction and/or rehabilitation. The City of Woodstock is proud to provide this high level of service. If you have any questions or can provide additional information regarding your sanitary sewer lateral please call 519-539-2382 ext. 817.
The sewer lateral is a length of pipe that runs from your building to the main sewer which is usually under the street. By terms of law, the maintenance and repair of the entire sewer lateral is the property owner's responsibility.
Most sewer back-ups occur because drains or the service laterals are plugged or dirty and requires maintenance. Sewage that 'floods' your home is usually water you used. Ensure drains, and especially 'P' traps throughout the house are cleaned regularly and take note of water that is slow to drain from plumbing fixtures closest to your lateral service (drains close to the cleanout in the basement). If these 'next to the cleanout' drains are clean and appear slow to drain, the service lateral may require cleaning. Ensure that the cleanout in the basement is easily and quickly accessible, so that if a back-up occurs the blockage can be cleared quickly. Don't block the service lateral by pouring grease down drains or flushing objects down the toilet. Disconnect all downspouts or sump pumps that maybe connected to the sanitary service lateral.
Questions, concerns, or need more information call the Engineering Department at (519) 539-2382 ext. 3116 Monday to Friday during business hours - 8:30 a.m. thru 4:30 p.m.
Payment in respect to a claim is contingent upon legal liability on the part of the City. Should you wish to make a claim against the City, please send a letter detailing your claim to the City Clerk providing dates, times, locations, what was damaged, how it happened and include pictures. Submitting such a claim does not necessarily mean that it will be successful. The City accepts no responsibility for a claim resulting from a lateral defect on private property whether is is black pipe or any other material.
The City does not reimburse for fees incurred by a private plumber. In future please contact the City at 519-539-2382 ext. 3102 if you have a blockage in your lateral.
If there is a sewer blockage an owner should use a plumber to clear the lateral. The City assumes no financial responsibility for any costs incurred. If it is determined that a chronic problem exists on the owner's section of the line, the City will direct the owner to correct it. Until repaired further calls to that property by city staff will be at full costs to the owner.
If it can be determined that the blockage is on city property, the City will endeavour to free all sewer blockages as soon as possible but does not guarantee a solution. The City assumes no responsibility for damages that occur from such blockages.
Arrangements can be made through the City to camera inspect your lateral. This is done to make a condition analysis of the sewer service. From this we can determine if anything further is required. The cost of this service is approximately $150.00.
A permit is required for an inground, onground and above ground pool if the structure is capable of holding more than 30 inches of water. The permit application must be accompanied with a $65.00 permit fee, along with a site plan showing the location of the pool in relation to the property lines and buildings. For inground pools, a refundable indemnity deposit in the amount of $150.00 is collected at the time of application. For further information on pools and permits, click here.
A building permit is required for any size shed. The permit fee for a shed over 100 sq. ft. is currently $65. A permit application and a site plan, along with some structural details are required. The fee for a shed under 100 sq. ft. is $40 and the application must be accompanied with a site plan only.
If the deck is more than 12" above grade at any given point, a building permit will be required. The cost of the permit is $40 for a deck under 100 sq. ft. or $65 if the deck is more than 100 sq. ft.
