Enbridge Gas is advising homeowners in Orangeville, Ontario, to request a free safety inspection before attempting to clear any blocked underground pipes this March 2026. The utility provider issued the guidance to prevent residents from accidentally hitting natural gas lines that may have been installed through sewer or septic pipes.
These overlaps, known as cross bores, happen when a gas line is unintentionally run through a sewer or septic pipe. While they usually do not cause problems on their own, they can become a major safety hazard if a person uses a tool like a motorized snake or auger to clear a clog and accidentally punctures the gas line.
To avoid this risk, residents are encouraged to contact Ontario One Call at 1-800-400-2255 before starting any work on their drains. According to Enbridge Gas, these inspection requests are treated as emergency calls so that the situation can be resolved as quickly as possible.
The safety inspections are provided at no cost to the homeowner. If a cross bore is found during the check, the utility company will fix the issue for free to ensure the property remains safe and gas service is not interrupted.
