Bath-based water and sewerage company Wessex Water is warning local residents that fats, oils and greases from your turkey could turn that dream Christmas dinner into a nightmare.
Pouring leftover gravy or liquid turkey grease down the drain might seem like a good idea, but it solidifies in pipes and sewers when cooled and can cause horrific blockages – with sewage even ending up in people’s homes as a result.
Wessex Water clears around 13,000 blockages from the public sewers every year, while many thousands more occur on private drains.
A new study by the water industry watchdog CCWater has shown that one in five consumers still put leftover fat, oil and grease from cooking down the kitchen sink or drain.
People aged 18 to 34 are the most likely to do so, and CCWater is advising people to instead use an old container like a jam jar or butter tub to collect leftovers.
George Taylor, Wessex Water’s director of waste water, said: “We want all our customers to enjoy a blockage-free Christmas, and that means waiting for cooking fluids to solidify and scraping them into the food waste bin.
“If you don’t have one, simply wait for the fats to cool and scrape them into a non-recyclable container before putting them in the bin.
“By following these simple steps you can protect your home from flooding, avoid expensive clean-up bills and look after the environment.”
If you are unfortunate enough to suffer a blockage in your home, Wessex Water can help to clear it or you could choose to use a drainage contractor.
Always ensure a private contractor is reputable and request a written quote in advance of any work being carried out.
A light-hearted Christmas rap video called Wrap Up Your Fat, produced in 2012, has been re-launched on Wessex Water’s social media channels as the big day approaches.
For more information about how to avoid blockages, visit www.wessexwater.co.uk/binit.