Stop sewer problems occurring
We treat sewage from over 250,000 properties in the Lower Hunter, so what ends up down your toilet, sink or drain can have a big impact on our network.
When the wrong things find their way into the pipes, it can cause problems for your home and our network. It can block your drains, overload and damage the sewerage system or create environmental damage.
Sewer blockages can cause overflows into waterways and homes, leading to expensive plumbing bills for the homeowner, and an unpleasant job for our crews to remove from the network.
Help keep the pipes free
Let's respect the throne by only flushing the 3Ps, that means only pee, poo and toilet paper.
Using anything else? Bag it and bin it to help our pipes from having issues.
What you shouldn’t put down the toilet, sink or drain
Paper towels
Tissues
Sanitary products
Cotton buds
Hair
Cooking oils and fats
Food waste
Household chemicals and cleaners
Looking after your pipes
It’s good practice to regularly check and maintain your plumbing and know where any pipes are located on the property. It is the property owner’s responsibility to maintain and repair sewer (wastewater) pipes and fittings, up to the point of connection with our wastewater system.
If you identify any sewer overflows on public land, like the road or footpath, please contact us immediately.
Check your Overflow Relief Gully (ORG)
As a property owner, it's important you understand how to maintain your ORG.
Check your downpipes
Sewer overflows can happen during periods of heavy rain when stormwater enters the wastewater network.
Reduce tree root damage
There are many different types of trees to avoid planting near pipes.
Check Before You Dig
Reduce the risk of damaging underground pipes by checking Before You Dig.