What’s Lurking in Our Drains? South West Water Reveals Shocking Sewer Discoveries

Toy cars, armbands and even traffic cones found underground

South West Water is warning people to be more mindful about what they flush or pour down the drain after discovering a string of unusual items clogging up the region’s sewer network.

Engineers recently pulled a surprising mix of objects from pipes, including a toy car, a child’s armband, a football and even a full-sized traffic cone. The bizarre collection was spotted on camera during routine inspections.

“We’re always working to stay prepared for the unexpected,” said Jay Harris, Director of Wastewater Operations at South West Water. “But when a toy car was parked illegally in a sewer pipe, we knew this wasn’t your average day.”

Jay added, “We even had a traffic cone making a bid for freedom through the sewer network. It’s amazing what turns up in our sewers, and we really don’t know how these mysterious items get there.”

📷Football in sewer

The serious impact of blockages

While the odd items might raise a smile, South West Water says the consequences are anything but funny. Blockages caused by items like wet wipes, cooking fat, cotton pads and now seemingly traffic cones can result in serious damage. Wastewater can back up into homes and gardens, pollute rivers and seas, and cause flooding on streets during heavy rain.

The company clears around 8,500 avoidable blockages every year, working round the clock at a cost of millions. These blockages are all preventable, South West Water says, if people take more care with what they dispose of down sinks, toilets and drains.

For tips on how to help protect the sewer network, visit South West Water’s advice page.

📷Iron Man

📷Traffic Cone in sewer

📷Armband in sewer

📷Car Tyre in sewer

📷Toy car found in a 100mm diameter pipe in Hayle