Fatberg CHAOS could flood homes across the UK as water firm asks for Brits' help

Fatbergs could cause chaos in homes across the UK in the coming weeks as a result of the festive period.

A fatberg is caused when waste builds up in sewers that is not biodegradable. These can be wet wipes, fat, oil and grease.

Due to the increase in cooking over Christmas, water companies are concerned that more fat, oil and grease will be poured down the sink, leading to the creation of fatbergs in sewer systems underground.

A single medium-sized turkey produces up to three-quarters of a pint of fat which, if poured down pipes, could potentially block them when it cools.

South West Water’s director of wastewater recovery, treatment and networks, Guy Doble, said: “Don’t let the fat from your festive feast ruin your Christmas by causing blockages and fatbergs.

“Think about your sink over the seasonal period, and at all times, and don’t dispose of cooking fats, oils and greases down the drain.

“Tens of thousands of litres of waste fat, cooking oil and grease are poured down sinks in the South West each year, along with food waste, which can build up in pipes.

Fatbergs could cause chaos in homes across the UK in the coming weeks as a result of the festive period.
Thames Water

“These mix with wrongly flushed items such as wet wipes, hygiene wipes, cleaning wipes, cleansing pads and sanitary products, causing blocked sewers which can lead to flooding in your homes and in the environment.

“Every year we deal with around 8,500 blocked sewers across our region – around one every hour – and these can increase the risk of flooding and damage to customers’ homes and properties.

“So don’t let fat spoil the festivities this Christmas and play your part by only flushing the 3Ps – pee, paper and poo – down the loo, and avoid pouring fats, oils and greases down your sink.”

Thames Water worker assessing a fatberg.
Thames Water