What will it cost?

With respect to sewer blockages, the cause of a blockage is the first consideration for determining responsibility. Home owners typically pay for the costs of clearing a blockage if the cause of the blockage is determined to be the property owner’s responsibility. Conversely, if the blockage is determined to be the City’s responsibility, the City will pay the costs.

City Crews

Charges for City crews vary depending on the time of day, and week, equipment required, and how much time is involved. Typically, costs are pretty much the same from 7am to 12am Monday to Friday. Special call-out charges are applied if crews are required on weekends or between 12am and 7am. Keep in mind that the rate quoted will include all costs for the work such as labour, equipment rental, travel time and overhead.

In general, the current standard rate for a City crew is about $176.35 (inclusive) for the first hour, and $279.99 for two hours during daytime and afternoon shifts. If you require a crew on the weekend, Statutory Holiday or after 12am, the current minimum call-out charge is approximately $420.13. This amount covers up to a maximum of three hours of crew time (if required). The average time charged to homeowners in 2009 was between 2 and 2.5 hours.

Requesting reimbursement

Private Plumbing or Drainage Contractor

The costs of hiring a private plumbing or drainage contractor vary and are subject to market conditions. It is wise to ask for an estimate before entering into a work agreement.

If you feel the blockage was not your responsibility, you may apply to the city to have associated charges reimbursed. Time limits may apply to your ability to make a claim. In instances where the City determines that it is appropriate to offer reimbursement, only reasonable sewer service cleaning costs will be provided. If the sewer service is left un-cleaned or for the City to complete the cleaning, compensation may be denied or only partial payment will be considered. Please note the City of Vancouver generally does not reimburse costs associated with video inspections, materials, environmental fees or other miscellaneous charges.

If the only expense you sustained was the cost of a private plumbing bill, please send the original invoice and a letter explaining the details to:

Please include the following information in your letter to the Unstop Administrator.

• All details of the event as well as the original plumbing invoice. (Make a copy for your records).
• A return address, including postal code and phone number.
• Indicate where the plumber worked from (basement sump, toilet stub, outside stack).
• What created the blockage.
• Where the blockage was located.

If you have any questions regarding the reimbursement of a plumbing invoice, please contact 604-326-4694 or email: engineering@vancouver.ca.

My home sustained damage from a flood, which I don’t believe I’m responsible for, what are my options?

If the flooding you experienced damaged private property and you believe the City is responsible, contact the City’s Risk Management Department at 604-873-7700.

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