Sewer Divers

In Mount Vernon, an abandoned sewer line is choked with stagnant human waste, creating a serious health hazard for the surrounding area. In New London, a substantial clog in the underground network could potentially bring down a city building, posing a major structural risk.

The Nose Knows is an episode‑style programme that follows the investigations of a specialised team dealing with underground problems. Presented as a single instalment, the show blends on‑the‑ground reporting with technical insight, offering viewers a glimpse into the hidden challenges that lie beneath our cities, and often highlights the unseen hazards that everyday citizens rarely notice. In this particular episode, the focus shifts to two distinct crises. In Mount Vernon, an out‑of‑use sewer pipe has become flooded with stagnant human waste, creating a hazardous buildup. Meanwhile, across the country in New London, a massive blockage threatens to compromise the structural integrity of a city building. These incidents underline how neglected pipelines can quickly become public health threats. The Mount Vernon scene reveals an abandoned conduit that can no longer cope with the accumulated waste, which has been left to sit and decay. The stagnation not only creates an unsanitary environment but also poses a risk of overflow into surrounding areas, highlighting the consequences of neglected infrastructure. The situation serves as a stark reminder of the importance of regular inspections. In New London, the obstruction is described as large enough to jeopardise an entire building. The clog’s pressure could potentially force the structure to fail, underscoring how a single blockage can have far‑reaching effects on urban safety. Both locations illustrate the critical need for timely maintenance and swift response, and addressing such problems promptly can prevent larger disasters down the line.