SOUTHERN Water says there is a one in ten chance of a turkey fat blockage in customers’ pipes and drains during the festive period, if householders tip fat, oil and grease down the kitchen sink.
If turkey fat is allowed to seep down plugholes and could lead to expensive drain blockage bills.
As communities gather to celebrate Christmas, New Year, Buddhism’s Bodhi Day and Jewish Hanukah, don’t be the party pooper and cause a blockage that could affect your neighbours too.
This could lead to flooding and there is also the risk of contamination, since grease sludge can harbour bacteria, that causes disease.
The number of blockages including fat, oil and grease and other ‘un-flushable’ items in the South East was 122,000 in the last five years.
About 66 per cent of blockages are preventable. Fat, oil and grease (FOG) should never go down the drain.
Southern Water advises to allow the fat to cool in containers and put them in the bin.
Alternatively, you can freeze turkey fat in containers to make stock cubes. They can be added to casseroles for an extra kick of flavour and can be used to enhance a host of dishes such as soups, stews, risottos and roast potatoes.
- For every 1 million turkeys cooked, about 250 tonnes of fat and oil can find its way into our network.
- Christmas lights, footballs, t-shirts and cutlery are just some of the ‘unflushables’ found in our sewers over recent years.
Southern Water reminds residents to only “flush the three Ps down the loo – pee, paper and poo.”
They added: “Nappies, baby wipes, tampons, sanitary towels, panty liners, colostomy bags and condoms should be bagged and binned.
“Cleansing wipes, ear buds, dental floss, plastic razors and cotton pads should all go in the bin, not down the loo.
“A big thanks to all our customers who already dispose of household waste correctly. Make it one of your New Year’s Resolutions to keep it clear, and you’ll be doing your bit to help prevent blockages and flooding.”
