This Spring Enbridge Reminds Everyone to Call Before Clearing a Blocked Sewer Line

TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwire) -- 03/26/13 -- With the arrival of spring comes the spring thaw and the potential for plumbing issues. When faced with a blocked sewer line, Enbridge Gas Distribution (TSX:ENB) (NYSE:ENB) reminds everyone to protect themselves and others by calling Ontario One Call for a free Natural Gas Sewer Safety Inspection before attempting to clear a blockage beyond the outside walls of a building.

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.

Before any work begins using rotating equipment (such as a motorized auger, power snake or other root-cutting equipment) or water-jetting equipment, people should call Ontario One Call at 1-800-400-2255. 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.

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

Drain-clearing service providers may be able to perform a video inspection of the sewer line. The video must be conclusive and clearly show that there is no natural gas line in the sewer before any rotating or water-jetting equipment is used. 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 call 1-888-880-8948 for general 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 two million customers in Ontario, Quebec, New York State and New Brunswick. For more information, visit www.enbridgegas.com/sewersafety.