Underground Pipe Inspections

Novel Municipal Education Approach/ Materials To Encourage Underground Pipe Inspections To Avoid Basement Flooding (1 MRC)

The Capital Regional District created a novel educational approach that encourages the inspection and maintenance of underground pipes to avoid basement flooding. Central to the approach is a “Generally Accepted Principles” document designed to help key stakeholders (i.e. Home Inspectors, Plumbers and Realtors) educate homeowners regarding the inspection and repair of laterals and perimeter drains. The document was reviewed numerous times by Federal, Provincial and local authorities, subject matter experts and industry groups before it was finalized. The document was written with the homeowner’s interest in mind and contains no policy-based information. A single page brochure was also created to summarize the information for homeowners. We believe that the materials are useful nationally and we are happy to share them.

Our approach focuses on the times that the public could have interest in their underground pipes. This includes: 1) when buying a home, 2) when applying for plumbing permits, 3) during times of local flooding and 4) if recommended by a plumber.

Presenter: James McAloon, Engineering Technician, Capital Regional District, Parks & Environmental Services. Jim McAloon works in the CRD’s sanitary sewer Inflow & Infiltration program which focuses on maintaining sewer infrastructure and preventing overflows to the environment. Jim’s education is in environmental science and includes a diploma from Camosun College and a degree from Royal Roads University.

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