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Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Water Corporation responded to 1,264 preventable sewer blockages in Perth in 2023, up from 1,152 in 2022 and 918 in 2021, according to figures reported by PerthNow on 7 June 2024. The main reported cause was fats, oils and grease; common items found in blockages included wet wipes, paper towels, cotton buds and sanitary items.
How much did reported blockages increase?
PerthNow reported Water Corporation figures showing a rise in preventable blockages over the three years:
| Year | Preventable blockages reported |
|---|---|
| 2021 | 918 |
| 2022 | 1,152 |
| 2023 | 1,264 |
The figures are for 2021–2023 and were reported by PerthNow journalist Jake Dietsch in June 2024; they are not current 2026 totals. The story described 2023 as the worst year since the COVID pandemic, but did not give a complete intervening-year series. It also mentioned pandemic-era shortages and greater household use of paper towels and tissues as context, not as a proven explanation for the increase. PerthNow’s report attributes the figures to Water Corporation.
What was causing the sewer blockages?
Water Corporation attributed about 70 per cent of the reported blockages to fats, oils and grease. The remaining blockages were attributed to non-flushable items, according to the same report.
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- High-Efficiency Clog Cleaning: VEVOR drain cleaner machine features an auto-feeding system, paired with the 1700 RPM high-speed motor that efficiently rotates and drives the cable in or out of pipelines, delivering more efficient removal of stubborn blockages
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Fats, oils and grease
When fats, oils and grease enter drains, they can contribute to material building up in the sewer. PerthNow’s report identifies them as the largest reported category, but does not provide a more detailed breakdown or current local disposal instructions.
Wipes and other non-flushable items
Rino Trolio, Water Corporation’s head of treatment and resource recovery, named wet wipes, paper towels, cotton buds and sanitary items among the common culprits. These products may be labelled or marketed in ways that suggest they can be flushed, but the advice reported for Perth households was to flush only the 3Ps: pee, poo and toilet paper.
Rank #2
- Highly Flexible Manganese Steel Cable: GarveeTech snake auger cleaner is equipped with 100 ft high-quality manganese steel cable, diameter is 1/2 in, it has excellent resistance to breakage, rust and corrosion, without the hassle of tangles. And it comes with 8 interchangeable cutters (2 x expanding finish cutter, 2 x C-cutter, 2 x drop head auger, 2 x spade cutter), can go through various curved pipes from 1 to 4 in to clear various clogs, keep the drainage smooth.
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- Auto Feeding System: This sewer snake auger features an automatic feed control system to power the steel cables forward and backward through the drain. By using the CW/OFF/CCW knob and air-activated foot switch, you can easily control the steel cables to help you finish cleaning pipes efficiently.
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What unusual things have crews found?
Trolio said crews had encountered items ranging from false teeth, mobile phones, jewellery, sex toys and banknotes to a prosthetic limb. He also said children’s toys were commonly found, whether put down toilets accidentally or mischievously.
As reported by PerthNow, accumulated material can form large “rags” weighing over 100 kilograms. That is a figure in the news report, not an independently verified engineering measurement.
Rank #3
- POPULO WORKS GENERATION TWO - This 75 x 1/2 drain snake auger is POPULO's second-generation product, featuring better cables,designed for 2-4 inch pipes in homes, restaurants, and factories.
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- AUTO FEED SYSTEM - This electric plumbing snake auger uses an automatic feeding system, greatly reducing manual labor. It also features a foot switch and an 8” wheel.
- 75 x 1/2 HEAVY DUTY CABLE - This electric drain cleaning machine's high-strength cable has a reinforced inner core, helping it to overcome any bend in the conduit.
What should Perth households do?
- Flush only pee, poo and toilet paper.
- Keep wet wipes, paper towels, cotton buds, sanitary items and toys out of the toilet, even when a product is described as flushable.
- Do not pour fats, oils or grease into household drains. The June 2024 report does not specify the correct local disposal route, so check current local guidance before disposing of cooking oil or grease.
The consequences are not limited to unpleasant call-outs for sewer crews: blockages can also create expense for households. PerthNow’s report did not give a cost estimate.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 【Metal Claw Grabber for Stubborn Clogs】 This extra-long 35.5-inch metal grabber features a flexible yet sturdy shaft and a 4-claw tip that opens and closes by the handle. It bends easily into curved pipes and P-traps to latch onto solid obstructions, toys, and thick hair clogs that plastic snakes simply can’t grip.
- 【6 Extra-Long Drain Snakes】 With a 25-inch length that reaches deeper than standard 20-inch tools, these highly flexible barbed wands glide into tight drains to hook hair, food particles, and grime. The tiny hooked teeth make insertion smooth and removal effective, and they rinse clean in seconds for repeated use.
- 【2 Pipe Brushes for Daily Maintenance】 These durable, bendable brushes reach the pipe inner walls to scrub away stubborn buildup, slime, and odor-causing residue that clogs often start from. Regular use helps maintain a smooth water flow, prevent future blockages, and keep drains fresh without harsh chemicals.
- 【9-Piece All-in-One Professional Tool Set】 Everything you need in one kit: 1 metal claw grabber for tough clogs, 6 drain snakes for hair, and 2 pipe brushes for routine deep cleaning. It’s a cost-effective alternative to expensive plumber visits, covering removal, extraction, and prevention with a single set.
- 【Simple Operation and Wide Application】 Just insert, twist or push, and pull out the clog—no complicated steps. Suitable for kitchen sinks, bathroom basins, showers, bathtubs, toilets, and sewer drains. The tools are reusable and designed to be safe for your pipes while delivering strong cleaning performance.
Rank #4
- Efficient Clog Clearing: The VEVOR drain cleaner machine features an automatic feeding system to power the cable in and out of drainage pipes. Enhanced with forward/reverse control and an air-activated foot switch, managing the cable becomes more effortless
- Efficient Clog Clearing: The VEVOR drain cleaner machine features an automatic feeding system to power the cable in and out of drainage pipes. Enhanced with forward/reverse control and an air-activated foot switch, managing the cable becomes more effortless
- Efficient Clog Clearing: The VEVOR drain cleaner machine features an automatic feeding system to power the cable in and out of drainage pipes. Enhanced with forward/reverse control and an air-activated foot switch, managing the cable becomes more effortless
- Efficient Clog Clearing: The VEVOR drain cleaner machine features an automatic feeding system to power the cable in and out of drainage pipes. Enhanced with forward/reverse control and an air-activated foot switch, managing the cable becomes more effortless
- Durable & Convenient: Our sewer drain auger features a semi-enclosed plastic drum that is durable and rust-resistant, allows easy observation of the cable length, and helps keep the cable neatly stored
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
