Most people try not to think about sewers at all, but the underground world beneath our feet is far stranger than you might imagine. Some of the facts about sewer systems are genuinely unbelievable.
1-Parts of Victorian sewers are still used today
For starters, Victorian sewers in London were so well built that parts of them are still being used today. Designed by engineer Joseph Bazalgette in the 1800s, the network helped stop deadly diseases spreading through the city and completely changed public health in Britain.
2-What is a fatberg?
Another bizarre fact is that giant ‘fatbergs’ regularly clog sewer systems around the world. A fatberg is a stomach-churning agglomeration of fat, oil, grease, wet wipes and sanitary products.
3-Sewers can also hide surprising treasures
Workers have reportedly discovered jewellery, old coins and even historical artefacts while carrying out maintenance work.
4-Cameras are now used in sewers
Modern technology has made inspections much easier too, with companies now using cameras instead of sending workers into dangerous tunnels. A CCTV drain survey Loughborough, for example, like www.wilkinson-env.co.uk/drainage-services-cctv-surveys-midlands/cctv-drain-surveys/loughborough/ can quickly spot cracks, leaks and blockages without digging up roads or gardens.
5-Rats thrive in sewers too
Perhaps the strangest sewer fact of all is that some cities have entire ecosystems living underground. Rats, insects and even unusual bacteria thrive in the dark tunnels beneath busy streets. Although sewers are rarely talked about, they play a huge role in our daily lives. Without modern sewers, cities would quickly become unsafe and unhealthy places to live.