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We’re installing sewer sensors in parts of our region to help detect and remove potential blockages.
How sewer sensors help prevent blockages and flooding
Sewer sensors are monitoring devices which we install in manholes above the sewer pipes.
The sensors give us an early warning alert of any items building up in the sewer which might cause a blockage that could lead to sewage flowing back inside homes.
Sewer sensors monitor wastewater levels
The battery-powered devices use a hanging sensor to detect rising water levels in the sewer and can communicate data back to our central control room.
When an alert is triggered, our engineers respond to investigate and clear any blockage before a more serious incident occurs.
Where we’re installing sewer sensors
We will be installing 40,000 sensors by 2025, locating them in areas where we see a higher than usual number of blockages so they can provide the greatest benefit.
1,400 sensors are already helping to protect areas of Wolverhampton and through May to September 2021 a further 3,000 will be installed in various locations.
Reducing sewer blockages and flooding
Every year there are over 40,000 sewer blockages in our region.
Around 75% of blocked pipes are caused by items such as wet wipes and sanitary products being flushed down the loo and leftover fats and oils from cooking being poured down the sink.
Sewer blockages are unpleasant for customers, costly to fix and damaging to the environment as they can result in flooding and pollution.
You can help avoid blockages
There are some simple steps you can take to help avoid blockages and possible sewer flooding, including:
- Put nappies, wet wipes and sanitary products in the bin
- Scrape leftover food into the bin before you wash your plates and bowls