Many rural properties do not enjoy the benefits of being connected to a public sewerage system (run in this area by South West Water). That's why we operate sewage plants to which some of our properties are connected. For these plants to work properly, you should bear in mind a few simple 'dos and don'ts'.

Sewage treatment plants use natural micro-organisms to break down the pollutants in domestic sewage.

Many household chemicals can inhibit or kill these micro-organisms, particularly if used too much.

If the micro-organisms are damaged, they will eventually recover. But before they do, there may well be an unpleasant smell, so it is in your interest to avoid this.

Normally, all common household cleaning fluids are acceptable, provided you follow the maker's instructions.

Common chemicals:

• Washing machine and dishwasher detergents - fine in normal concentrations and usage. (Problems could occur if you are washing the jerseys of the local rugby club's five teams!)
• Floor cleaners, disinfectant and bleaches - safe to use in line with the maker's recommendations. However, do not pour neat (undiluted) disinfectant or bleach down the sink or outside gully. If these smell, it is likely there is a build up of decaying material or a plumbing problem that should be dealt with.
• Nappy disinfectant and bottle sterilising fluids such as Milton - when disposing of the used fluid always first dilute it well with water. The easiest way of doing this is to flush it down the toilet.
• Waste disposal units - these do not harm the micro-organisms but they can place a considerable extra load on the plant. It is much better and more environmentally friendly to compost your vegetable peelings.
• Home beer and wine making - this presents a similar problem to waste disposal units. A treatment plant works as hard to treat one pint of beer as it does to treat the normal waste of one person in 24 hours. Therefore when disposing, dilute well with water.
• Drain and pipe cleaning solutions eg 'Mr Muscle' - These must not be used if your home is connected to a septic tank or treatment plant. One sachet is strong enough to kill all the bacteria in a plant that serves up to around 20 properties.

Never put the following substances down the toilet or drains:

• Motor oil, grease, anti-freeze, brake fluid or similar chemicals
• Cooking oil and fat
• Weed-killers, insecticides, fungicides and other gardening chemicals
• Paint, thinners, white spirit, turpentine, creosote
• Medicines - these should be taken to a pharmacist for disposal
• Photographic developing fluids

Non-organic waste

Sewage plants are designed to treat organic waste. Non-organic waste will cause damage or blockages to the plants, especially those that contain mechanical parts such as pumps.

Even disposable nappies and sanitary towels often do not degrade fully in the treatment plant and can cause damage. They should be disposed of by other means.

The following must never be put down the toilet or drain:

• nappies
• sanitary towels
• rags
• soft toys
• tennis balls
• condoms
• sweet wrappers
• plastic bags
• baby wipes
• disposable dusters
• string or rope
• newspaper

Please remember that the costs of running the sewage plants are shared equally between the all the connected properties.

Breakdowns caused by the inappropriate use of chemicals or blockages by non-organics will be recharged to each property under the recharge policy.

If you have any further queries please contact Marcus Preedy on 08082 027728.

Please click below to download a copy of our leaflet on this topic.