FH 6.14: Sewer, Drains Or Fixtures Blocked

Sanitary drainage systems and fixtures shall drain waste products to a public sanitary sewer or private sewage disposal system without interruption.

One-Year - Work and Materials Two-Year - Delivery and Distribution Systems Seven-Year - Major Structural Defect 

Damage caused by municipal services or other utilities, and blocked sanitary drainage systems resulting from vegetation or alterations, improper maintenance or use by the homeowner, are excluded from the warranty. A complete list of “CONDITIONS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY” is on p.15 of the Guidelines.

Sanitary drainage systems and fixtures not meeting the acceptable condition shall be repaired. Complete failure of sanitary drainage systems is considered to be an emergency situation. For information about the warranty process for emergency situations, please visit Tarion’s website.

Sewage backups into fixtures or drains (e.g., toilets, shower drains, laundry floor drains) are indicative of an interruption in the sewage disposal system. Backups occur when wastewater cannot drain freely to the main sewer system or septic field and has nowhere to go but to back up into fixtures or up through floor drains. This may be the result of a blockage, collapsed drainage pipe or a faulty backwater valve. This condition is warranted only if the blockage or backup results from the work or materials supplied by the builder. To help keep the sewage system working well and prevent sanitary sewer blockages, it is important not to flush or put the following products down drains: Hygiene products including sanitary napkins/liners, tampons, condoms, wipes (flushable/biodegradable/regular), cotton swabs, dental floss, diapers or rags. Fats, oils and cooking grease. When faced with a sewage backup, it is recommended that the plumbing in the home not be used until the stoppage is cleared out. This is to minimize further damage to the home. With respect to septic systems, improper maintenance by the homeowner includes: Connection of sump pump, roof drains or backwash from a water conditioner into the system. Placement of non-biodegradable items into the system. Use as food waste/grease disposal. Placement of surfaces not permeable to water over the disposal area of the system. Allowing vehicles to drive or park over the disposal area of the system.  Failure to pump out the septic tank periodically, as required. Use that exceeds the system’s design standards. See also6.9 DEFECTIVE PLUMBING FIXTURES, APPLIANCES OR TRIM FITTINGS Notes: Words in italics are defined in the “TERMINOLOGY” section on page 19. This article was revised on May 24, 2024.