The public works team in Gretna will conduct it's annual sewer line cleanup after the May long weekend.

Residents will have to put up with some noise and odours from May 23 to June 2. Dates could be changed or extended due to equipment breakdowns, weather or other unforeseen problems.

Public Works Foreman Ponch Peters said their team in Gretna is very experienced and does a great job of cleaning out the sewer lines year after year.

" When the sewer line is being flushed there is a small chance that water could come back into your house through the sewer lines. It would usually start in the basement so basement washrooms and floor drains are the first thing to look at."

Peters added that you may here some noise this week from the trucks on the road working and rumbling in your house as well through the vents.

"First thing first is to close all the lids on your toilets, insert drain plugs in all sinks and bath tubs, and remove floor mats in bathrooms. We also encourage everyone to cover their basement floor drains with a thick plastic and put something heavy on top to keep it in place."

Peters went on to say if residents discover an odour in their homes, they should run your taps for a few minutes to clear the traps.

He added, local citizens in Gretna can help speed up the process by reducing traffic in work areas as much as possible.