After flushing the toilet or rinsing the dishes, most people don’t think about what happens to their wastewater. On its way to one of our recycling centres, wastewater flows through the pipes under your home and into the sewers – but it’s getting blocked along the way – increasing the risk of sewer flooding.

 

All wipes and other unflushables block pipes​
Wipes, sanitary products and leftover cooking fats that belong in the bin are building up in the pipes. Our teams are working around the clock across our region to keep sewers flowing - but each year we find around 2,800 tonnes causing blockages. That's the same weight as 14 blue whales.

Just Bin It to avoid blocked pipes

By making the small change to bin wipes, cooking fats and other unflushables, you'll help prevent blockages that force wastewater to flood into homes and gardens or the local environment. Small changes make a bit difference - discover more ways you can help. ​

What to do about a blocked pipe

If wastewater isn’t draining away properly and you think you might have a blocked pipe, find out what to look out for and who can help you get it sorted. 

Connecting correctly to the sewer

Make sure that any new appliances, or gutters and drains on new extensions, are connected into the right part of the sewer. This will help keep wastewater flowing to the right place.