Blocked drains in Collie spark warning over flushing habits

Collie residents are being urged to rethink what goes down household toilets and sinks after several large blockages were recently cleared from the town’s wastewater network. 

CCTV inspections revealed congealed masses of non-flushable items - such as wet wipes, nappies, and even rocks - clogging pipes and causing overflows at a local wastewater pump station. 

Water Corporation South West Manager Nicola Waite said misconceptions persist about what can be flushed.

“Products marketed as ‘flushable’ often don’t break down like toilet paper and can create serious problems within the wastewater network,” Ms Waite said.

“Responding to these blockages is costly, time-consuming, and completely preventable. 

“The rule is simple - if it’s not pee, paper, or poo, it shouldn’t go down the loo.”

Water Corporation spends more than $150,000 annually clearing blockages within the 1,460 kilometres of wastewater mains across South West. 

The consequences can hit households too, with plumbers often needed to clear internal blockages. 

Alongside non-flushable items, households are reminded not to pour fat, oil, or grease down the sink this holiday season. 

“Cooking oil and fats left over from Christmas lunch harden when they cool and, combined with non-flushable products, create blockages which are known as fatbergs,” Ms Waite said.

“The best thing to do is pour fats into a container and dispose of them along with food scraps in the bin or compost - not down the drain.”