The Strangest Stuff Ever Found In the Sewer

When people think of the sewer, they either imagine the horrid smells down there or Mario fixing a leak. 

No one expects the sewer though to be some sort of lucky dip, with the strangest items pulled out of there. Underneath our streets, in the miles and miles of sewer lines, there’s a whole world of weird going on.

And we’re not just talking about the usual muck.

We’ve had sewer crews and water authorities around the world pull out things that make you wonder “How on earth did that even end up down there?!”

Here’s a proper look at some of the weirdest, most unexpected real-life things found in sewer systems. Some of these will make you laugh. Others might make you gag. Either way, it’s something that was certainly down there.

1. A Live Galah (Yes, Really)

Don’t say that nothing ever happens in Australia.

In Victoria, Aussie sewerage workers were shocked to find a live pink galah stuck in a sewer.  The poor thing had gotten stuck 10 metres underground. Thankfully, it was rescued alive and well, just a bit confused and probably needing a good wash.

2. A Full-Sized Kayak

Over in Sydney, a full-size kayak was recovered from a sewer system. 

No one really knows how it got there. But it certainly causes one strange blockage. The kayak was eventually taken out of the system, covered in black muck. 

Safe to say, no one will be using that again.

3. Pieces of A Garden Shed

In one case, pieces of a garden shed were discovered blocking the plumbing system. Many household items cause blockages. But this one is just absurd.

However, looking at the other ones on the list, it isn’t unexpected.

4. A Cow 

In China, sewer workers found something mooing under a manhole. Turns out, it was a live cow, stuck in the underground system. How it got there is anyone’s guess, but it had been missing for a few days. 

Firefighters rescued the brown cow. They must have had a shock when its head was poking out of the manhole.

5. A Tent

Amongst one of the stranger’s finds is a two-man tent. It made its way somehow into the plumbing system and eventually was later discovered.

Despite what many say, personally, I think it belonged to the Ninja Turtles.

6. A Whole Rave Party

In Newcastle, England (not Australia), over 200 people threw an underground rave… because why not? They broke into a storm drain system and set up speakers and lights to really get the party going.

Eventually, the authorities caught wind of it and shut it down because of the safety risks. But not before they’d had a full night of music echoing through the sewer tunnels. Not so sure I’d wanna dance next to sewer water though.

7. Alligators

In places like Florida, alligators and humans can come into close contact. However, this is on a whole other level.

Alligators can go into the sewer to catch prey or be washed down there. Nevertheless, for the short time they are there it can be a bit scary. In Louisiana, a 3-meter alligator was found walking out of a storm drain. 

Sewers are designed to handle wastewater, not livestock, boats, rave, or whatever else people feel like tossing.

When this kind of stuff ends up underground, it can clog systems, cause backups, and risk public health. Make sure when you flush the toilet that you’re not accidentally flushing a cow or galah… otherwise, you might be featured in the next blog.

However, even without the ridiculous blockages we’ve seen today. There can be things that block our pipes. Whether it’s limescale, hair, or grease, it can stop it from working. If you having any plumbing troubles, feel free to get a free quote today!

Let’s make plumbing something you’re proud of!