United Utilities is asking customers to help protect Cumbria’s water network by not pouring oils, fats, or grease down the sink, and being careful about what they flush.
When we cook, oils and fats naturally accumulate on our pots, pans, and cooking utensils. While it might seem convenient to pour these leftovers down the sink, this action can have significant consequences. Even small amounts of oil or grease, when discarded incorrectly, can cause major blockages in your plumbing and the wider sewer system.
When it comes to flushing the North West’s water company says it’s only ok to flush the 3 Ps – that’s pee, poo, and paper. The packaging on some period products and wet wipes suggests that it’s ok to flush them, but to protect pipes, it’s always best to bin.
Expensive repairs: Oils, fats, and grease do not dissolve in water. Instead, they solidify as they cool. When poured down the sink, they can coat the inside of your pipes, eventually forming hardened clumps. These clumps can block the flow of wastewater, causing slow drains, back-ups, or even total blockages and floods in your home. Over time, this can lead to plumbing issues that require expensive repairs.
Sewer System Blockage: These oils and fats don’t just cause problems in your home’s plumbing system; they also impact the wider sewer network. When they enter the public sewer system, they combine with other waste materials, such as food scraps and wet wipes, to form fatbergs – large, solid masses that block sewers. Fatbergs are difficult and costly to remove, requiring specialist equipment and significant resources.
Environmental Impact: When blockages occur in the sewer system, untreated sewage can back up into homes and streets. Additionally, if oils, fats, wet wipes, period products and other waste reach water sources, they can pollute rivers and streams, harming aquatic life.
United Utilities handles millions of litres of wastewater every day. When blockages occur in the sewer network, there are often delays in resolving the issue. This can result in traffic disruptions, flooding, and unpleasant odours in local communities. As well as being unsightly and unpleasant, these disruptions can also impact local businesses and cause significant inconvenience to residents.
As large-scale improvements in Cumbria’s water network continue, the North West’s water company is asking residents to play their part in protecting the water network and helping to stop the block.
Top tips to stop the block
Reuse the oil – Many oils, such as vegetable oil, can be reused several times for cooking.
Let the oil cool and scrape it into the bin - If you don’t plan to reuse the oil, allow it to cool in the pan before transferring it into a container. Once cooled, scrape the oil into a non-recyclable waste container, such as a plastic bottle or a used food container.
Consider a fat trap – Installing a fat trap or grease separator in your kitchen sink can help prevent oils and fats from entering your pipes in the first place. These devices capture grease and oils before they can cause blockages, making them an effective way to manage waste disposal.
Bin wipes and period products – If it’s not one of the 3 Ps – pee, poo, and paper – make sure you bin not flush.
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