Sewer & Drain FAQ — BSure Ottawa Valley

Question 1

My drain is backing up — what should I do?

Accepted Answer

Stop using that drain immediately to prevent sewage from backing up further into your home. Do not pour chemicals down the drain — they rarely fix blockages and can damage pipes. Call a professional for a camera inspection to find the exact cause. In most cases, a hydro jetting service can clear the blockage the same day. If the backup is in your main sewer line, it could indicate a collapsed or root-invaded pipe that needs relining.

Question 2

Why does my house smell like sewer?

Accepted Answer

A sewer smell inside your home usually means one of three things: a dry P-trap (the U-shaped pipe under sinks that holds water to block sewer gas), a cracked sewer pipe allowing gas to escape into your home, or a blocked vent stack on your roof. Run water in rarely-used drains to refill dry P-traps. If the smell persists, a CCTV camera inspection can locate cracks or blockages in your sewer line. This is a health concern — sewer gas contains hydrogen sulfide and methane, so don't ignore it.

Question 3

How do I know if tree roots are in my sewer pipe?

Accepted Answer

Common signs of tree root intrusion include slow-draining sinks and toilets throughout the house (not just one fixture), gurgling sounds from drains, recurring blockages that come back within weeks of being cleared, and sewage backups. Older clay and cast iron pipes common in Ottawa Valley homes are especially vulnerable because roots seek out moisture at pipe joints. The only way to confirm root intrusion is a CCTV camera inspection. If roots are present, hydro jetting can cut them back, and CIPP relining seals the pipe permanently so roots cannot re-enter.

Question 4

What causes sewer pipes to crack or collapse?

Accepted Answer

In the Ottawa Valley, the most common causes are age (clay pipes from the 1950s–1980s are past their lifespan), freeze-thaw cycles that shift soil and stress pipe joints, tree root intrusion that cracks pipe walls over time, ground settlement, and corrosion in older cast iron or Orangeburg pipes. Orangeburg pipe — a tar-paper composite used in many post-war homes — is especially prone to collapse and should be replaced or relined as soon as it is discovered.

Question 5

Do I need to dig up my yard to fix my sewer pipe?

Accepted Answer

Not with CIPP (Cured-In-Place Pipe) relining. BSure inserts a resin-saturated liner through a small access point — usually a cleanout or existing opening — and cures it in place using UV light. The result is a new pipe inside your old pipe, with no excavation required. Your lawn, driveway, and landscaping stay intact. Traditional excavation requires digging a trench the full length of the pipe, which can cost two to three times more and takes days to restore.

Question 6

How much does sewer relining cost in the Ottawa Valley?

Accepted Answer

CIPP sewer relining in the Ottawa Valley typically costs between $3,000 and $8,000 for a standard residential lateral, depending on pipe length, diameter, and condition. Traditional excavation and replacement for the same pipe runs $8,000 to $20,000 or more once you factor in digging, pipe materials, backfill, and restoring your lawn or driveway. Relining is generally 40–60% less expensive than excavation, and the relined pipe carries a 50-year lifespan warranty. Contact BSure for a free camera inspection and written estimate.

Question 7

How long does sewer relining take?

Accepted Answer

A typical residential CIPP relining job takes one day from start to finish. BSure uses BRAWOLINER® UV-cured liner technology, which cures in under 30 minutes — far faster than traditional heat or ambient-cure methods that can take hours. You can use your drains the same day. Compare that to excavation, which can take two to five days and leaves your yard torn up for weeks while the ground settles.

Question 8

How long does a relined sewer pipe last?

Accepted Answer

CIPP liners installed with BRAWOLINER® technology are rated for 50+ years. The cured liner is seamless, corrosion-resistant, and has a smoother interior surface than the original pipe, which actually improves flow. Because there are no joints for roots to penetrate, root re-intrusion is eliminated. The liner is also resistant to the freeze-thaw cycles common in Renfrew County winters.

Question 9

Can all sewer pipes be relined?

Accepted Answer

Most residential sewer laterals can be relined, including clay, cast iron, PVC, and concrete pipes. Pipes that are fully collapsed or have severe offset joints may need a short section of excavation before relining. A CCTV camera inspection before any relining job confirms whether your pipe is a good candidate. BSure will always show you the camera footage and explain your options honestly before recommending a course of action.

Question 10

What is hydro jetting and is it safe for my pipes?

Accepted Answer

Hydro jetting uses high-pressure water (up to 4,000 PSI) to scour the inside of your drain and sewer pipes, removing grease buildup, mineral scale, tree roots, and debris. It is safe for most pipes in good structural condition. BSure always performs a camera inspection before hydro jetting to confirm the pipe can handle the pressure — we would never jet a pipe that is already cracked or fragile. Hydro jetting is far more thorough than drain snaking, which only punches a hole through a blockage rather than cleaning the full pipe wall.

Question 11

How often should I have my drains cleaned?

Accepted Answer

For most Ottawa Valley homes, professional drain cleaning every 18–24 months prevents buildup from becoming a blockage. Homes with mature trees near the sewer line, older clay pipes, or a history of backups benefit from annual cleaning. Restaurant and commercial kitchens should clean grease traps and main drains every 3–6 months. Regular maintenance is far less expensive than emergency service calls or pipe damage from chronic blockages.

Question 12

What is a CCTV sewer camera inspection?

Accepted Answer

A CCTV (closed-circuit television) camera inspection involves inserting a waterproof camera on a flexible cable into your drain or sewer pipe. The camera transmits live video so the technician can see exactly what is inside — cracks, root intrusion, grease buildup, pipe offset, or collapsed sections. BSure provides camera inspections before every relining job and as a standalone diagnostic service. You receive a clear explanation of what was found and what your options are, with no pressure to commit to additional work.

Question 13

What areas does BSure serve?

Accepted Answer

BSure serves the Ottawa Valley and Renfrew County, including Pembroke, Petawawa, Renfrew, Deep River, Arnprior, Barry's Bay, and surrounding communities. If you are unsure whether we cover your area, call or send a message — we are happy to confirm.

Question 14

How do I book a camera inspection or drain cleaning?

Accepted Answer

Call BSure directly or use the contact form on our website. We offer free camera inspections with any relining quote. Most drain cleaning and inspection appointments are available within 1–2 business days. For urgent sewer backups, call us directly for the fastest response.

Sewer & Drain Questions Answered

Drain & Sewer Problems

Sewer Relining (CIPP)

Hydro Jetting & Drain Cleaning

Service Area & Booking

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