Think before you flush!
Why should we worry about blockages?
When blockages happen in your home the dirty water that carries away waste has nowhere to go, so it backs up through the pipes into toilets, sinks and baths.
The same thing can happen in sewers: even if we don't see a blockage, it can overflow into rivers and beaches, killing fish and other local wildlife.
What are the signs of a blockage?
You might have a blockage if you find it difficult to flush your toilet, or if your sink and/or bath empties very slowly.
What can cause a blockage, and how to prevent one...
Water UK found that 90% of all blockages are caused types of wet wipes - even the ones that say flushable aren't safe to flush. Other common things like nappies, sanatary products (tampons, towels) and leftover fat, grease and foodwaste should never be flushed down toilets or sinks.
Sewers are only designed to take the water from your toilets, sinks, baths and showers along with human waste and toilet tissue.
Blockages cost the Environment Agency £100 million a year and set back the work they do to protect wildlife, read about what you can can't flush on their website here.
Our top tips to keep your drains flowing
- In the kitchen, use something like an old jar or pot to collect cooled cooking fat and oil. Fill the container, then empty it into your food waste or rubbish bin.
- Scrape or wipe your washing up before washing (put any solid waste into the rubbish bin)
- Keep oil and grease out of the sink or washing up water.
- Use strainers in sink plug holes and put any food in the rubbish bin
- Bin it – don’t block it: Wrap up sanitary items, nappies, wipes and condoms and put them in the bin, only flush toilet paper down a toilet.
- Chemicals, oil and paint should be taken to your local tip or recycling site
- Medicines, tablets, and needles should be taken to your pharmacist, hospital or health authority for to throw away safely..
What do I do if I have a blockage?
If you're one of our residents and are worried you might have a blockage contact us.