Call before you clear
By clicking or calling BC 1 Call before you begin clearing a blocked sewer, you can find out if natural gas lines are intersecting the sewer line and prevent accidents and damages from happening.
What you need to know before clearing a sewer line
When utility lines are installed underground, it is possible that some unintentional intersections or “cross bores” have been created. A natural gas line crossing through a sewer pipe is rare, but they can co-exist safely and go undetected until the sewer pipe is blocked and needs to be cleared. If a cross bore is present, clearing the sewer can damage the natural gas line and potentially cause a safety hazard for surrounding homes and businesses.
Blocked sewer line? Call BC 1 Call first.
Even if you don't use natural gas, always call BC 1 Call, as natural gas lines could be nearby.
- Call or ask your sewer clearing professional to call BC 1 Call at
1-800-474-6886 . The service is free, easy and available 24 hours a day. - Let the agent know that you’re calling about a “sewer service line blockage.” BC 1 Call will notify FortisBC immediately. We’ll make every effort to respond within two hours or less.
- If a cross bore is found during the inspection, the gas and sewer pipes will be repaired at no cost to you.
- Don't begin clearing the sewer with rotating equipment or water jets until inspection has ruled out the presence of a cross bore.
Watch our video
Learn how easy it is to contact BC 1 Call and have your sewer line inspected for cross-bores, free and fast.
We’re here to help
If you have questions, contact BC 1 Call at 1-800-474-6886 or the FortisBC natural gas Emergency Line at 1-800-663-9911 (24 hours).