South West supplier reveals bizarre items found in sewers in 2026
Engineers discover unusual sewer blockages, urging proper disposal
Thames Water engineers have uncovered a range of strange items in the sewers this year, including crabs, snakes, socks, and even a fridge.
The discoveries underscore the importance of proper sewer usage, as outlined by Thames Water, which reminds residents to only flush the three Ps: pee, poo, and paper.
Improper disposal can lead to costly repairs, flooding, and environmental damage.
In the Thames Valley region, an inspection camera identified a corn snake, typically found in the United States, slithering through a pipe, thought to be an abandoned pet.
Other creatures, such as rats and crabs, were found in the London wastewater network, likely pulled into the sewer system unintentionally due to flooding.
Household items like televisions and mobile phones also posed a challenge, with Thames Water pointing to potential sewer misuse or fly-tipping.
Tim Davies, Head of Waste Operations (North London) at Thames Water, emphasised the company's efforts and the significance of adhering to proper disposal methods.
Thames Water services over 16 million customers and spends more than £40 million annually clearing around 75,000 sewer blockages.
These findings serve as a reminder that only pee, poo, and toilet paper should be flushed down the loo.
For those interested in contributing to better sewer health, Unblocktober, a national campaign and awareness month, aims to improve the health of drains, sewers, watercourses, and seas.