Preventing sewerage blockages

This year, more than 1 in 5 urgent maintenance issues have been caused by sewer blockages. Most
blockages happen because the wrong things are flushed down the toilet. 

Blocked pipes can cause flooding, bad smells, and expensive repairs that may damage your home or your neighbours. The good news? You can help prevent this

What NOT to flush  

• Wet wipes or baby wipes - always look for the flushable icon on the package. If you’re unsure, bin them.
• Paper towels and tissues - they don’t break down like toilet paper and cannot be flushed.
• Hair - it tangles and traps other waste.
• Cotton buds - they’re made of materials that don’t belong in pipes.
• Fats, oils and grease - these harden in cool water and block pipes
• Sanitary items - they absorb liquid and swell when wet which can cause major blockages

Only flush toilet paper and human waste. Everything else goes in the bin.

More information

Visit Sydney Water or you can also contactyour local water authority