Sewer alarms are monitoring devices installed across the public wastewater network to help detect items which could cause blockages that could lead to sewage flowing back inside our customers’ properties. They work by sending a signal to let us know when the water level rises.
In the last three years we installed 40,000 customer sewer alarms across the region which led to us clearing 6782 blockages. This early detection has prevented 367 internal sewer flooding incidents and 2203 external sewer flooding incidents since the start of the project!
What is happening now?
Preventing sewer flooding is still a top priority for us and over the next 5 years we will be deploying a further 45,000 sewer alarms across the region to help prevent pollution and sewer flooding events
Who is doing the work?
Our trusted partner's Detectronic and Utilitec are carrying out the work and will be in touch with you via letter if you are on our list to have one installed. All of their staff are trained to install the devices and they will carry an ID badge and will display this to you at the point of visit.
So far…...Detectronic have installed over 3k sewer level monitors in Yorkshire, these have really helped us monitor our network and identify potential sewage flooding incidents.
This map highlights all potential sewer incidents detected and resolved by our alarms from Oct–Dec 2025. Look for the magnifying glass icons to see the last three months alert counts.
Why at my property?
We’re targeting areas across the Yorkshire region that have a higher risk of flooding from the public sewer.
Your property may not necessarily be at a higher sewer flooding risk; however, we’d like to monitor a selection of properties in these areas to get a better understanding of the flood potential.
How will we monitor the sewer flooding risk?
We’ll use a special device that measures water level rises when the probe is submerged in water.
When the water level rises, this turns the device on and sends a phone signal alert to let us know. We then manage our alerts across the region though our control centre and send our technicians out to remove blockages from the network. Depending on the cause of the alert we may raise further work to prevent this happening again.
By installing this device we’re reducing the chance of public sewer flooding at your property.
Do I have to pay anything?
No, there’s no cost to you at all. This is a free service.
What information is being collected?
None, we’re not collecting information about your property or your waste water usage. We’re monitoring the water level in your sewer to allow us to be proactive in dealing with blockages before they cause flooding.
Where is it fitted?
The device will be fitted to the wastewater network - this is where your washing machine, toilet and sink waste goes.
We may fit the device to the grill of the drainage gully, or to the soil vent pipe or within a manhole chamber linked to your property. If the device is installed in a gully, we may need to drill into the mortar line of your house to secure the unit in place and prevent accidental removal.
Will you need to come into my house?
No, all we need is access to the waste infrastructure outside your property.
Do I need to be home when you do the work?
No, all of this work is outside so no access is required to your home. If you do have locked gates, simply let us know and we can arrange a convenient date for the installation.
How long will it take?
The installation should take around 30 minutes and the installation work will occur Monday to Friday. There may be some occasional work on weekends.
Will access to my property be affected?
No, we’ll try our best not to get in your way.
Will my water go off?
No, this won’t affect your water supply. We won’t need to turn off your water as the logger device is fitted to the waste network.
Will you be digging in my garden?
No, there is no need for digging. Our operative will assess your property and select the device installation which best suits your situation.
What does the logger device look like?
There are two types of device, and our operative will select the best one to suit your drain. Below are examples of what it looks like when fitted in a gully.
Which type will I have installed?
Before installation is carried out, we’ll have a look in your garden/yard to see which device would be best for you. Not all properties will be suitable for us to fit a logger.
Will this stop water flowing into the drain?
No. Tests have been carried out and it has no impact on flows. While the monitor is in place you can clean your gulley as usual, just pop it back in the same position when you do.
Does it make a noise?
No. There’s no noise.
How long will it be there for?
The battery life of the device will last around 5-7 years, at which time we may replace the device for another 5-7 years or remove it from your property.