Did you know that flushing anything other than the 3 P's (Paper (Toilet), Pee and Poo) down the toilet can be very bad for your internal plumbing and the main sewer line. Foreign objects such as feminine hygiene products, baby/wet wipes, Nappies, condoms and rags/clothing can block the sewer and cause major problems. Even small things such as hair, dental floss and cotton buds can get caught in the pipes and build up to cause obstructions and possible blockages. The safest option for these types of materials is to put them in the bin.
Remember your toilet is not a rubbish bin!

Fats, oils and grease do not go down the drain. Once they cool in the sewer they quickly solidify, sticking to the walls of pipes and clogging them up. If they mix with other items, such as wet wipes then blockages can occur even faster. The pipes that run from your home to the main sewer are only a few inches wide. They can become blocked easily and if this occurs on the house-side of the sewer junction, then you will need to pay for a plumber to get them unblocked. In addition to this, human waste can quickly back up into your street, garden or even your home, causing a disgusting and costly mess - which is completely avoidable.
What to do: - Recycle used cooking oil or properly dispose of it by pouring it into a sealable container and placing the sealed container in the rubbish bin
- Put food scraps into the rubbish bin, not the sink
- Before washing pots, pans, and dishes, wipe them with dry paper towels. Then throw away the paper towels in the bin
- Place a catch basket or screen over the drain when rinsing dishes, or when peeling or cutting food, then throw the left over scraps in the trash
What not to do: - Don’t use a garbage disposal or food grinder. Grinding food up does not remove fats, oils and grease. Even non-greasy food scraps can plug your home’s plumbing and sewer network
- Don’t pour cooking oil, pan drippings, grease or sauces down the sink or even toilet
Below are some images of the sewer lines around Kalgoorlie-Boulder.
This image is showing a nice clean sewer pipe
The below image is showing a build up of Grease/fats in the main sewer pipe
The below image is of fat build up at the junction point leading into the main sewer line.
Some images of solidified grease/fats from the main sewer line in Kalgoorlie-Boulder
Are you unsure where you’re responsibility as a property owner ends in regards to your sewer line? Click on the link below to see who is responsible.
To see the drawing click here.