Kojonup residents urged to think before they flush

Kojonup residents are being urged to think twice about what they flush down the toilet, or wash down the sink, after two large ‘pipe monsters’ were found blocking the local wastewater system.

Water Corporation Great Southern Regional Manager Adrian Stewart said wastewater blockages, also referred to as ‘pipe monsters’, had caused havoc in the local wastewater system.

“Items such as kitchen towel, cotton buds, wet wipes, nappies, sanitary products, jocks, socks and plastic bags should not be flushed down the toilet, as this material does not break down like toilet paper, but we often find them forming pipe monsters,” Mr Stewart said. 

“Water Corporation service crews remove between 200 to 300 kilograms of material causing blockages in the local wastewater system each year – just like the recent Kojonup ‘pipe monsters’.

“These blockages can take hours to remove and sometimes cranes need to be called in, which makes it a costly issue.”

Mr Stewart said it was also important to not pour fat, oil or grease straight down the kitchen sink, as once cooled, it solidified and caused blockages.

“This will not only help protect the environment and our wastewater system, but also potentially save you money from having to call a plumber to fix any blockages that can happen within your home,” he said.

“We encourage Kojonup residents to not take this infrastructure for granted and to help us look after it.

“Remember, only soap and water down the sink, and toilet paper, pee and poo down the loo.”

CAPTION: This 100 kilogram ‘pipe monster’ was removed from Hopetoun’s wastewater treatment plant last year after being hoisted out with a crane.

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