Why does flooding occur?

We live in a flourishing city that cares for over 120,000 street trees. Many of these mature trees are situated on boulevards adjacent to our homes. This figure doesn't take into account the number of trees, hedges and plantings which thrive on or near private property and which the City doesn't maintain.

Tree roots can penetrate through leaking pipe joints often linked to vitrified clay pipe. Roots are especially aggressive during hot summer months when moisture and precipitation are minimal. Fine, hair-like roots will seek out wet or seeping joints and begin growing into the pipe, nourishing themselves off storm and waste-waters. In addition, since the majority of City homes are thirty years of age or older, short length pipe is prevalent; modern piping typically has a better method of connecting or coupling pipes together.

Flooding can occur when a sewer connection becomes blocked by infiltrating tree roots, grease, debris, household objects, or poor workmanship. Occasionally, mainline sewers can also become stopped from tree roots or from debris. When extremely heavy rainfalls occur, excessive runoff drainage may exceed the capacity of the storm-water drainage system, resulting in flooding.

Most common problems

The most common problems associated with blockages in the sewer system include: