South West Water has published details of some of the more unusual items its teams have recovered from the sewer network this year, including a baby doll that was causing a blockage in Exmouth. The water company released its Halloween sewer finds to draw attention to the work involved in keeping the network flowing, and to remind customers what should and should not go down toilets and drains.
The company, part of Pennon Group, said the items were discovered during routine maintenance and investigations across its region.
Halloween sewer finds across the region
South West Water said its teams regularly come across items that were never meant to enter the sewer network. Recent finds include:
- A baby doll causing a blockage in Exmouth
- A sack of rubble stuffed into a sewer
- A pair of pants discovered in a pipe in Exeter
- A lone shoe recovered from a sewer
- A children’s toy buried among concrete underground
Images supplied by the company also show a sit-on toy that had caused a sewer blockage, and identify the Exeter find as having been located in a combined sewer overflow (CSO).
More than 25,000 kilometres of sewers
According to the company, its teams work to keep more than 25,000 kilometres of sewers flowing across the region. This includes investigating reports of blockages, carrying out repairs, maintaining the network and responding to incidents.
South West Water said this work goes on around the clock to help protect homes, businesses, communities and the environment.
Blockages, flooding and pollution risk
The company said items that enter the sewer network can become trapped in pipes, causing blockages and restricting the flow of wastewater. These blockages can increase the risk of sewer flooding, disrupt services for customers and contribute to pollution incidents.
Jay Harris, Wastewater Director at South West Water, said: “A baby doll blocking a sewer is certainly one of the more unusual things we’ve come across recently, but our teams often find items that simply shouldn’t be in the sewer network.
“Every day our teams work behind the scenes to keep the network flowing and protect the environment, often dealing with the consequences of things that have been incorrectly flushed or disposed of.
“While some discoveries can be surprising, they highlight an important message. The sewer network is designed to carry wastewater, and unexpected items can cause blockages that put pressure on the network and increase the risk of pollution.
“That’s why we’re encouraging everyone to think before they flush this Hallowe’en and help keep the network flowing.”
Three Ps message for customers
Alongside the Halloween sewer finds, South West Water is reminding customers to flush only the three Ps (pee, poo and paper) and to dispose of other waste responsibly. Further guidance is available through the company’s Bin it, don’t block it campaign page.
The message follows earlier campaigns by the company. H2O Global News has previously reported on South West Water’s figures on more than 5,500 avoidable sewer blockages, most of them caused by wipes and fats, and on the strangest sewer discoveries the company recorded in 2025.
Frequently asked questions
What strange items has South West Water found in its sewers?
Recent finds include a baby doll causing a blockage in Exmouth, a sack of rubble, a pair of pants in a pipe in Exeter, a lone shoe and a children’s toy buried among concrete.
How long is South West Water’s sewer network?
South West Water said its teams keep more than 25,000 kilometres of sewers flowing across its region.
Why are items in sewers a problem?
The company said items can become trapped in pipes, causing blockages that restrict the flow of wastewater. These can increase the risk of sewer flooding, disrupt services and contribute to pollution incidents.
What should be flushed down the toilet?
South West Water is reminding customers to flush only the three Ps (pee, poo and paper) and to dispose of other waste responsibly.
Who is Jay Harris?
Jay Harris is Wastewater Director at South West Water. He urged people to think before they flush this Halloween.
