Safe Sewage Disposal

Disposal of unwanted material

The drains connecting your home to the main sewer are designed in such a way that they only carry water, toilet paper and human waste not any other items bigger than that size. However, most people use sewers as garbage disposal units. As a result a number of people cause blockages in sewers which is not user-friendly to the environment.

It should be noted that some items though called disposable are not safe to flush down the toilet. Instead you should dispose them into a bag or bin, but don’t flush them. This will save unnecessary costs or expenses as plumbing bills may hinder some of your projects.

What to do with disposables?

All disposable products should be put in a bin or bag and not to be flushed down the toilet as they can find their way into the environment.

The following items should be disposed off in the ways recommended:-

• Condoms and tampons- wrap well and dispose of in the bin.
• Cotton buds, bandages, plasters and dental floss – dispose them in the bin.
• Sanitary towels and pads – use the special bags for sanitary protection available from pharmacies and dispose off in rubbish bins.
• Disposable nappiesm – wrap them and dispose in the bin or use nappy bags which are available from various supermarkets.
• Razors and blades – put these into a rigid container before placing in the bin.
• Plastics bags and newspapers – place them in the bin.

Sewer Blockages

Causes of sewer blockages?
WASCO sewers are designed to take away sewage from properties. However, some people put garbage in the toilet and this causes blockages.

Who is responsible for Sewage overflow?
WASCO is responsible for sewage overflow if caused by a blockage in a public sewer and has to ensure that it is cleared.

If the overflow is caused by any other problem in the customers’ private sewer or drain, the owner of the property is responsible dealing with the flooding. In a case where a sewer serves more than one property, WASCO is responsible. Who to contact and what to do if there is a blockage within your property – Contact sewage division immediately if there is a blockage within your property. Telephone: 22313943 or our toll free number 800 22 011.

Take note of the following precautions to protect you and your family if there is a blockage:

• Keep away from sewage
• Wear protective clothing and protect any cuts
• Dispose off any vegetables or fruit growing in your garden if it is flooded or use a hose pipe to clean it
• Keep children away from flooded areas for a couple of days until such time the area dries up
• Consult your doctor or physician if you suffer vomiting or diarrhoea following a flooding incident.