TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Oct. 5, 2012) - Although family and friends may be welcome this Thanksgiving holiday weekend, plumbing issues never are. Having guests visit all at once can increase water use in homes and that could, in turn, draw attention to existing sewer line blockages that previously went unnoticed. Enbridge Gas Distribution reminds everyone to call Ontario One Call to obtain a free Natural Gas Sewer Safety Inspection before clearing a blocked sewer line beyond the outside walls of a building.

Anyone planning to use rotating equipment (such as a motorized auger, power snake or other root-cutting equipment) or water jetting (flushing) equipment to clear a blocked sewer line beyond the outside walls of a building should call Ontario One Call at 1-800-400-2255 before any work begins. Ontario One Call will arrange for an Enbridge representative to conduct a free Natural Gas Sewer Safety Inspection to avoid potential damage to underground natural gas pipes.

It is possible that some natural gas lines have inadvertently intersected with sewer lines. A serious safety risk may arise if equipment used to clear a blocked sewer line damages an intersecting natural gas line. Risks can include a gas leak, fire or explosion.

"Public safety is our priority and that's why we are taking proactive steps to shine the light on the Natural Gas Sewer Safety program," says Jamie Milner, a professional engineer and the vice president of pipeline integrity and safety for Enbridge Gas Distribution. "We want everyone to take the appropriate steps to minimize the risk to themselves and others when it comes to sewer safety."

Drain-clearing service providers may be able to perform a video inspection of the sewer line to rule out the presence of a natural gas line before using any rotating or water jetting equipment. However, if the presence of a natural gas line cannot be ruled out, anyone planning to use rotating or water jetting equipment should call Ontario One Call for a free Natural Gas Sewer Safety Inspection.

Enbridge has an ongoing safety campaign to raise awareness regarding the importance of calling Ontario One Call before any work begins to clear a blocked sewer line beyond the outside walls of a building. Plumbers, municipal sewer operator and property managers may also call 1-888-880-8948 for more information.

Enbridge Gas Distribution Inc. has a more than 160-year history and is Canada's largest natural gas distribution company. It is owned by Enbridge Inc., a Canadian-based leader in energy transportation and distribution and one of the 2012 Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations. Enbridge Inc. has been selected as one of Canada's Greenest Employers for 2012 and is one of Canada's Top 100 Employers. Enbridge Gas Distribution and its affiliates distribute natural gas to more than 1.9 million customers in Ontario, Quebec, New York State and New Brunswick. For more information, visit www.enbridgegas.com/sewersafety.