Hidden Fatbergs Threaten Cornwall’s Sewers – Here’s How to Stop Them

With Unblocktober drawing to a close and Christmas fast approaching, South West Water is urging everyone to take simple steps to prevent sewer blockages caused by fats, oils and grease (FOG).

Supporting over 2,200 food businesses

In the last year, South West Water has supported 2,203 food service establishments across Devon and Cornwall to manage FOG responsibly. Working alongside Environmental Compliance and Services (ECAS), the company helps businesses both proactively and reactively – visiting kitchens in known blockage hotspots and advising when issues are reported.

Environmental Enforcement Officers talk to kitchen staff about how they dispose of FOG and recommend changes such as installing grease-trapping equipment, improving oil storage, or adjusting daily cleaning habits.

Marc Downes, Operational Performance Manager at ECAS, said:
“Sometimes we’ll speak to food businesses about a blockage that’s not necessarily affecting their premises but has been caused by FOG escaping from their kitchen. The FOG has travelled in the sewer network from their sinks and drains, causing problems further downstream. If everyone does their bit, we protect communities and the environment.”

A growing problem underground

Over the past year, South West Water has cleared more than 7,000 avoidable blockages, with around three-quarters caused mainly by wet wipes and fats. When FOG mixes with items like wipes, sanitary products and food waste, it can form stubborn clumps that grow into fatbergs – large, concrete-like masses that block sewers and cause flooding, odours and pollution.

Simple steps for businesses

To reduce the risk of blockages, businesses are encouraged to:

• Install and maintain properly sized grease-trapping equipment

• Store and recycle oil safely through licensed waste carriers

• Train kitchen staff to follow good FOG practices, such as wiping pans before washing and using sink strainers

Everyone can help keep drains clear

Households also play an important part in preventing blockages. As part of its ‘Bin It, Don’t Block It’ campaign, South West Water has shared several tips for keeping sewers flowing smoothly:

• Only flush the 3 Ps – pee, poo and paper

• Never pour fats, oils or grease down the sink

• Collect grease in a jar or tub and throw it in the bin once cooled

• Put food scraps and coffee grounds in the bin or food caddy

• Dry wipe dishes before washing

Richard Price, Managing Director for Wastewater Services at South West Water, said:
“Preventing blockages benefits the whole community. It keeps our rivers and seas clean and prevents flooding and disruption for homes and businesses across the region.

“That’s why we are asking customers and business owners across the South West to ‘Bin It, Don’t Block It’. Whether you’re washing your dishes after a family dinner at home or disposing of grease from your restaurant, getting simple good habits in place can have a huge impact by helping to reduce blockages and protect the environment.”

For more information, visit South West Water’s Bin It Don’t Block It page