FROM fighting fatbergs to banishing blockages, Severn Trent’s waste teams are used to dealing with frightful messes caused by the wrong things being washed and flushed into the sewer network.
This Halloween, the company’s very own ‘Grossbusters’ team, consisting of Alex, Balbir, Owen, Jason, Scott, Luke, Jackie and Rayson are asking homeowners across the region to avoid putting fat, oil and grease down the drain or flush wet wipes down the toilet, as nightmarish blockages can quickly form and block the pipes.
Severn Trent has revealed it deals with thousands of blockages every year, with the majority caused by people putting things they shouldn’t down sinks and toilets.
Scott Burgin, Operations manager for Severn Trent said: “If something doesn’t smell good in your neighbourhood, it could be due to a blockage in the sewer– and that could lead to a scary mess for everyone in the street
“Our Grossbusters are here to help people avoid the scare of finding that their waste pipe is blocked by reminding them that sewers are only designed to cope with the three P’s – pee, poo and paper – anything else, including fat, oil and grease from the kitchen and nappies, tampons and sanitary products belong in the bin.”
The average home sewer pipe is c.150mm in diameter – the same as a new roll of toilet paper – so it can be easy for a blockage to occur.
Sewer blockages, if not identified and cleared, can lead to sewers backing up and overflowing into people’s homes and gardens.
Scott added: “Many people may not realise that they are responsible for the waste pipe running away from their home up until it either crosses the property boundary or meets with another waste pipe or sewer.
“The good news is that blockages are avoidable if people are careful about what they put down your toilet and wash down the sink.”
If you experience a blocked drain or slow drain, you can report it by calling 0800 783 4444 or visiting stwater.co.uk.
Visit stwater.co.uk/avoidblockages to find out more about how blockages can be avoided.
