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D Safety | D1 Washing people | D2 Washing clothes and bedding | D3 Removing waste water safely | D4 Improving nutrition: the ability to store, prepare and cook food | D5 Reducing the negative impacts of over-crowding | D6 Reducing negative effects of animals, insects and vermin | D7 Reducing the health impacts of dust | D8 Controlling the temperature of the living environment
D3 Removing waste water safely
Drains

COMMUNITY CHECK AND FIX
- Run water through all house drains to make sure that they are not blocked (1).
- On the outside of the house, look for any signs of overflowing drains, and check for long grass in the garden that might indicate a water leak or failed drain.
- Get a plumber to fix any drainage problems.
- Check the grates (2) are in place on drains, and replace missing or broken grates
- Check that there is a screened cap on the top of all vent pipes; replace missing caps
- Check the grate is in place on the overflow relief gully; replace if missing
- If there is a grease trap, empty it out regularly and check it is not overflowing
- If there is a septic system (3), organise for it to be pumped out at least once a year; check the lid (4) and inspection openings are in place on the tank, and that traffic cannot drive over the trenches (5).
- Check that caps are fitted on all inspection openings (6) and replace any missing caps
- Check that there are drains or splashpads under yard taps (7) and downpipes; if not, arrange to install them where required.
- Undertake regular maintenance on package treatment systems or composting toilet systems, as recommended by the supplier.
TRADE TEST AND FIX
- Undertake a full test of the drainage system and fix any blockages or leaks.
- Test to ensure stormwater is not connected to the wastewater disposal system.
- Undertake scheduled trades maintenance on package treatment systems or composting toilet systems, in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions.
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Last modified on:
6/02/09