• Call 311 to report the situation;
• plug up basement floor drains, toilets and sinks;
• put on appropriate protective clothing, and move any items and valuables in the basement or the ground floor higher off the ground or to the higher floor;
• until the problem is resolved, do not open sewer cleanout caps, and avoid using sanitary and household appliances that use water because sewer water may seep into the basement;
• if water levels pose a threat to gas appliances such as furnaces, water heaters or stoves, call Gazifère at 819-771-8321; and
• if water levels reach an electrical plug, a socket, an extension cord or an appliance such as an electric baseboard, call Hydro-Québec at 1-888-385-7252.

Residents' response to sewer back-ups

• property owners are responsible for removing any obstructions with a plumbing snake, which they can rent, or by calling in a certified professional; and
• in the case of recurrent or difficult to eliminate obstructions, owners must pay for a camera inspection of the entire line to determine the source of the problem.

The video recording must be submitted to the municipal workshop for the sector. If it turns out that the problem is in the municipal right of way, and does not stem from the property, Gatineau may reimburse the costs incurred for renting the video equipment after the video of the inspection has been reviewed by the Service des travaux publics.

Municipal response to sewer back-ups

A Service des travaux publics employee will inspect the sewer line near your home to determine whether the back-up is caused by an obstruction under the street.

If it turns out that the obstruction is on your property, it will be up to you to have it corrected.

If you wish to file a claim

Inform the greffier in writing within fifteen (15) days after the event, and mail it to:

Greffier
Ville de Gatineau
PO BOX 1970, STN Hull
Gatineau QC J8X 3Y9

You will find the appropriate claim form on the municipal Web site