You might have seen stories or pictures about huge fatberg blockages in the sewers, but what are they, and why does it matter? Fatbergs are balls of waste that form from things like cooking fats, oils, grease, wet wipes, sanitary products, and anything else that should not be put in the toilet or down a drain. The combination of these materials in sewer lines can result in big, solid barriers that can harm both plumbing and the environment.
From where do fatbergs form?
Fatbergs result from the combination of incorrect waste disposal and no maintenance. It may appear safe to pour hot oil or grease down your kitchen sink, but when it cools, it solidifies and sticks inside the pipes. If you add wet wipes, dental floss, nappies, and cotton buds to the mix, they do not break down, and you’ll soon have a fatberg.
They can expand so much that they fill entire sewer lines and force sewage to back up into homes, on streets and into rivers. Water companies have found fatbergs in the UK to weigh several tonnes and stretch over many metres.
What Makes This Important?
Utility companies and city councils aren’t the only ones affected by fatbergs—everyday people are, too. Problems with blocked sewers can result in expensive plumbing work, bad smells and even harm to your health. In particular situations, local authorities are required to use funds from important services to address these issues.
Homeowners feel the effects of climate change right away and personally. If you’ve ever wondered how to unblock a badly blocked toilet uk, fatbergs are often the hidden culprit behind such issues. When waste becomes congealed and clogs a pipe, it can keep toilets from flushing, sinks from emptying and water from moving, causing both frustration and the risk of damage to your home.
It’s Better to Prevent Something Than to Treat It
It turns out that stopping fatbergs is not very complicated. Don’t put fats, oils or grease into your drain. Don’t put hot food in the microwave; let it cool first and throw it away. Just as before, only flush the three Ps—pee, poo and (toilet) paper. All other products, along with “flushable” wipes, should be put in the waste bin.
You can prevent fatbergs by installing sink strainers, teaching your family and informing your community. Food businesses should use grease traps, and they should always dispose of waste properly to prevent the issue from getting worse.
Fatbergs and Their Effects on Nature
Besides plumbing, fatbergs also have a bigger effect on the environment. When sewer blockages cause overflows, waste that has not been treated is released into waterways, which can damage both aquatic life and the environment. Managing fatbergs is important for both convenience and to support public health and the environment.
Conclusion
Learning about “what is fatberg?” is the first way to prevent problems in your plumbing and help keep the sewer system clean. Whether you’re trying to figure out how to unblock a badly blocked toilet in the UK or simply want to do your part for the environment, responsible waste disposal habits make all the difference. Simple things you do at home can keep big, messy issues out of the ground.
