Misconnected sewers

Dirty water from your home could be draining into the wrong sewer, causing pollution to local rivers and beaches.

What is a misconnected sewer?

A misconnection is when a wastewater pipe is wrongly connected to the surface water sewer pipe and results in wastewater going directly into and polluting a river or stream. 

Many homes have separate drainage systems for rainwater and wastewater – this is likely if your property was built after 1920.

There are many places in your home where you could have a misconnection including toilets, showers, sinks, washing machines or dishwashers.

Approximately 500,000 properties in the UK have a misconnection.

How to check your home

You may have a misconnection if you have:

• a new appliance, kitchen or bathroom has been installed
• pipes connected to the downpipes from your roof guttering
• a washing machine or sink is installed in a garage or outbuilding
• a new inspection cover within your property may mean the drainage has been altered.