Think in the yard

  • Tree roots enter pipes through tiny fractures or small gaps in search of water. Once inside, they grow, damage pipes and cause blockages. Plant the right trees well away from sewer pipes.
  • Talk to your local nursery about what trees to plant and where to plant them to better protect your pipes. 
  • Look out for damp spots in your garden possibly caused by tree roots causing cracks in underground water pipes. You can also test for leaks by regularly checking your meter or performing a simple self test.
  • Do not pour motor oils down the drain. Check with your local council about how to safely dispose of them.
  • Never hose concrete spills down drains.
  • Make sure stormwater pipes do not drain rainwater from your roof gutters into the sewerage system.
  • Do not pour unused paint, chemicals, pesticides and other hazardous waste down the drain or sink. Check with your local council about how to dispose of them safely.

Think in the bathroom

  • Use a strainer in the shower.
  • Only flush human waste and toilet paper down the toilet.
  • Adhesive bandages, hair, cotton buds, cotton balls, face wipes and sanitary products can block pipes. Put them in the bin, don't flush them down the toilet.
  • Keep a bin in the bathroom.
  • Always dispose of nappies and baby wipes in the bin.

Think in the kitchen

  • Use a sink strainer to catch small items before they get washed away.
  • Put fruit stickers in the bin, not down the kitchen sink.
  • Fats, oil and grease can harden in pipes. Wait for them to set, then put them in the bin.
  • Do not wash food waste down the kitchen sink. Bin it, don't sink it.
  • Coffee grinds and tea leaves can stick to grease build-ups causing costly blockages. Put them in the bin, not down the kitchen sink.
  • Scrape food from dirty plates into the bin before you wash them. 

Think in the laundry

  • Use only the recommended amount of laundry detergent. Detergent build-up encourages odour and bacteria growth and, in severe cases, can block drains.
  • Use biodegradable detergents and cleaners when available. They are less likely to clog pipes.