Northumbrian Water Our Group Home Services Sewerage Misconnections Misconnections What is a misconnection? In a nutshell, properties often have two types of drains: foul sewers, and surface water drains. Foul water drains are used for wastewater. That includes waste like toilet paper, pee, and poo, and waste from your washing machine and shower. Surface water is rainwater, puddles, that kind of thing. Surface drains takes that kind of water straight back into the environment. When the wastewater is connected to the surface water drain, and vice versa, it's called a misconnection. That means when a dodgy plumbing job connects a kitchen sink, for example, to the surface drain, the contents of that kitchen sink go straight into the outdoors, and not our treatment works. It also means if surface water is going into your foul drains, there's a bigger risk of flooding, especially during heavy rain. This is illegal pollution. It's really serious. If we think about that misconnected kitchen sink, or a misconnected washing machine, you're pouring bleaches, detergents and washing liquids straight into the watercourses. That kind of pollution only gets worse depending on what chemicals are used, too. Our wildlife and natural habitats are all at risk. If you're a homeowner, or a landlord, you are responsible for fixing misconnections. Make sure you use a WRAS-approved plumber to carry out work. This means you're doing your bit to protect our environment. Need a plumber? Find local, approved plumbers at watersafe.org.uk Find a plumber More from Northumbrian Water Bin the Wipe Wet wipes are the biggest causes of blockages and sewer flooding Find out more about Bin the Wipe Water Without the Worry Financial support, bills in Braille, language translation and more Find out more Water quality Our mission: clean, clear water that tastes good Find out more about water quality Did you find what you were looking for? Search our site Call us Tweet us Our Group Business Landlords Developers Wholesale services Contact us Legal Privacy Accessibility Modern slavery statement Cookies Careers Accessibility and language options Northumbrian Water Limited Registered in England and Wales Company Number: 02366703 Registered office: Northumbria House, Abbey Road, Pity Me, Durham, DH1 5FJ This website uses cookies By using our website you consent to all cookies in accordance with our Cookie Policy. Read more I AGREE I DISAGREE ×

Northumbrian Water Our Group Beat the freeze When the weather turns, it can freeze pipes - cutting off your water supply or even causing your pipes to burst. Find out more Download our free app! It's quick, easy and secure to pay your bills on our smartphone app Download for free Our Group Business Landlords Developers Wholesale services Contact us Legal Privacy Accessibility Modern slavery statement Cookies Careers Accessibility and language options Northumbrian Water Limited Registered in England and Wales Company Number: 02366703 Registered office: Northumbria House, Abbey Road, Pity Me, Durham, DH1 5FJ This website uses cookies By using our website you consent to all cookies in accordance with our Cookie Policy. Read more I AGREE I DISAGREE ×