What Goes Down Your Household Drain?

Published on 27 May 2025

Every day, we rely on our sewer system - often without giving it a second thought. Whether washing hands, cooking meals, taking a shower, or using the toilet, these actions all create wastewater that must be safely managed.

This wastewater is carried underground through Council’s sewer system—mainly via gravity—through a network of sewer mains (typically 100mm in diameter) and manholes. In some areas, sewage pump stations help move the wastewater through pressurised "rising mains" to the sewage treatment plant. Here, the water is treated in multiple stages before the cleaned effluent is released into the environment.

Not Everything Belongs Down the Drain.

To keep our system running smoothly and avoid blockages, breakdowns, or environmental overflows, please only flush and drain what the system can handle.
The following must not be flushed or drained:

‘Flushable’ wipes, baby wipes, paper towels, and bandages
Nappies, sanitary and cosmetic products (e.g. pads, liners, cotton buds, floss, gloves)
Solid items such as razors, blades, or syringes
Food scraps, coffee grounds – use sink screens to catch these (available at supermarkets or hardware stores)
Cooking oils – instead, dispose of these for free at the Oberon Waste Depot
Fuels, solvents, paints, medicines, bleach, pesticides, or other hazardous substances

Why It Matters

These substances can:

Cause blockages or “fat chokes” in both private and public pipes
Damage sewage pumps and mains
Disrupt or destroy the biological treatment processes used at the sewage treatment plant
Result in environmental overflows and potential damage to your property

✅ Do Your Part

By taking a moment to think before you flush or pour, you’re helping to protect:

Your home’s plumbing
Council infrastructure
Our local environment

Thank you for being sewer smart!

For questions or guidance, please contact Oberon Council’s Technical Services Deapartment.