Download PDFMost of the pipes at the flats are old and are joined together. Blocked pipes are caused by grease and food scraps, such as cooking oil and leftover food.
Things like wet wipes, sanitary pads, and condoms can block the drains very quickly. If my personal sink is blocked, it is easy to unblock, but if the local toilet, sink, shower, or bath all block up, it means the main pipes are blocked.
Blocked pipes that lead to leaking sewage in your yard can cause many health issues.
It leads to damp and mould, which can cause illnesses like diarrhoea and gastro. Sewage contains bacteria and viruses, and kids can get sick if they touch it. Sewage water that stands for a long time can cause coughing, sneezing, asthma, and sinus problems. It is worse for kids and the elderly. Skin infections can also be worsened by dirty water. Mould and bacteria in the air can cause allergic reactions like headaches and itchy eyes.
If you call the municipality for help, they do not come out immediately. It usually takes a few weeks to a month for them to unblock the pipes. The residents who live downstairs suffer the most because all the mess from the top floors ends up blocked downstairs. Community members do not help, so you have to fix it yourself even before the municipality sends people out.
It has many effects when you have small kids in your household who touch this sewage water. It is hazardous. We often take it upon ourselves to pour drain cleaner down our pipes. Kids are exposed more than adults, and the houses also have a bad smell. You have to constantly keep your windows and doors closed because of the sewage outside. The smell is horrible.
This article is an opinion piece submitted on 01 July 2026. The views expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect those of Karibu! Online or Khanya College. You may republish this article, so long as you credit the authors and Karibu! Online (www.Karibu.org.za), and do not change the text. Please include a link back to the original article.
