South West Water cleared more than 5,500 avoidable sewer blockages across its region in the past year. It is now urging customers to flush only the three Ps – pee, poo and paper. The figure is equivalent to more than 15 blockages every day. Many were caused by wet wipes, sanitary products and fats, oils and grease (FOG) flushed down toilets or poured down drains.
The company, part of Pennon Group, published the figures in support of Unblocktober. This month-long UK campaign encourages people and businesses to prevent drain blockages and protect waterways by disposing of waste responsibly.
Wet wipes and fats behind most avoidable sewer blockages
According to the company, around three-quarters of the blockages cleared in the past year had two main causes: wet wipes and fats. Unlike toilet paper, wet wipes do not break down easily. When they mix with fats, oils and grease, they stick together and can form stubborn blockages. These can grow into concrete-like masses known as fatbergs.
If left unchecked, blockages can flood homes, gardens and streets and create unpleasant odours. They can also damage the sewer network, increase the risk of pollution reaching rivers and seas, and lead to costly repairs.
Jay Harris, Director of Wastewater Services at South West Water, said: “Every day, our teams work hard to keep wastewater flowing through more than 25,000 kilometres of sewer network across the South West, but many of the blockages we deal with are entirely avoidable.
“Wet wipes, fats, oils and grease continue to be the biggest causes of blockages. When these materials enter the sewer network, they can build up over time, restricting flows and increasing the risk of flooding, pollution and damage to the network.”
Monitoring, targeted cleaning and work with food businesses
As well as responding to blockages, the company said it works to prevent them. Its teams use monitoring technology to identify problem hotspots before they become an issue. They also carry out targeted sewer cleaning and work with food businesses to improve how fats, oils and grease are managed and disposed of.
H2O Global News has previously reported on the company’s Bin It, Don’t Block It support for more than 2,200 food businesses. It has also covered South West Water’s response to the ban on plastic wet wipes.
Harris said: “While we are investing in new technology, carrying out targeted sewer cleansing and working closely with businesses to help prevent blockages, customers also have an important role to play.”
What customers are being asked to do
Through its Bin It, Don’t Block It campaign, South West Water is asking households and businesses to cut off the material that allows blockages to grow. Many people flush wet wipes or pour leftover cooking fat down the sink without realising the effect on the sewer network, the company said.
Customers are being asked to:
- flush only the three Ps – pee, poo and paper
- let fats, oils and grease cool before placing them in a container or food waste bin
- keep wipes, sanitary products and other unflushable items out of toilets
- ensure food businesses install and maintain grease management equipment and follow good kitchen practices
Harris added: “By only flushing the three Ps and keeping fats, oils and grease out of sinks and drains, we can all help protect our communities, our rivers and the environment.”
Further details are available in the company’s announcement on avoidable sewer blockages.
Frequently asked questions
How many avoidable sewer blockages did South West Water clear in the past year?
South West Water cleared more than 5,500 avoidable sewer blockages across its region in the past year. That is equivalent to more than 15 blockages every day.
What causes most sewer blockages in the South West?
Around three-quarters of the avoidable blockages cleared by South West Water were caused by wet wipes and fats. Sanitary products and other unflushable items also contribute.
What are the three Ps you can flush down the toilet?
The three Ps are pee, poo and paper. South West Water is urging customers to flush only these items.
What is Unblocktober?
Unblocktober is a month-long UK campaign. It encourages people and businesses to prevent drain blockages and protect waterways by disposing of waste responsibly.
How should cooking fat be disposed of?
South West Water advises letting fats, oils and grease cool before placing them in a container or food waste bin, rather than pouring them down sinks or drains.
