Reducing sewer flooding across the region
Sewer alarms are monitoring devices installed across our network to help detect blockages. They work by sending a signal when the water level rises, so that we can investigate and rectify before sewage backs up inside people's houses.
In the last three years, we installed 40,000 sewer alarms across the region, which has led to us:
- clearing 6,782 blockages
- preventing 367 internal sewer flooding incidents
- and 2,203 external sewer flooding incidents.
Preventing sewer flooding is still a top priority 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.
Are you getting a sewer alarm?
Got a letter?
If you've received a letter saying you're getting a sewer alarm don't worry: it doesn't mean your home is more likely to flood. It just means we’d like to monitor a selection of properties in your area to get a better understanding of the flood potential.
Not got a letter?
If you haven't received a letter about sewer alarms, it's because you're not eligible to have one. If we think you're in any way at risk of sewage backing up into your home, we'll write to you and offer you a sewer alarm. If we haven't and you still think you need one, please ring us on 0345 124 24 24.
Installation is quick and easy
If you're getting a sewer alarm here's what you need to know:
- getting a sewer alarm is completely free
- it's super quick (around 30 minutes)
- you don't have to be in
- access to your property won't be affected
- we don't need to come into your house
- the alarm will probably be fitted in the grill of the drainage gully, the soil vent pipe or within a manhole chamber linked to your property.
Who's doing the work?
Safety is paramount for our customers. To ensure you're allowing the right people onto your property, we'd like to introduce the contractors who'll be doing the work. All of their staff are trained to install the devices and they will carry an ID badge that will be displayed to you when they visit.
Detectronic
Detectronic is a specialist in the design, manufacture and installation of water monitoring equipment. They have already installed over 3,000 sewer monitors in Yorkshire, which has helped us successfully reduce the number of flooding incidents.
Utilitec
Utilitec Services have provided tailored operational support to the UK Water and Gas Industry since 1997. Following a successful pilot project involving 5,000 devices in Leeds, Bradford, Sheffield and Doncaster, which won the Institute of Water North Region Innovation award, they are now helping us fit alarms across more of the county.
Bin It Don't Block It
Many blockages in our sewers are easily preventable. Find out more about fatbergs and how to dispose of everyday items properly to avoid nasty surprises.
Any questions?
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.
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 your 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.
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.
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.