Blockages of drains

There have been some case of householders in the Links Estate experiencing blockages of their drains. This has been due to other householders connected to the same sewer flushing inappropriate items down the loos. Thames Water have cleared the blockages and found wet wipes, sanitary towels, food, fats, bones and other household waste. Thames Water publish the following advice:-

Sewers are only designed to take the water from your toilets, sinks, baths and showers along with human waste and toilet tissue.

Everything else should be put in the bin.

Blockages are usually caused by:

• Fat, oil and food leftover from cooking that congeals in pipes setting hard
• Wipes – even ones that say ‘flushable’ don’t break down and block pipes.
• Sanitary items (e.g. towels and tampons).

Top tips to keep your drains flowing

• Bin it – don’t block it: Wrap up sanitary items, nappies, wipes and condoms and put them in the bin
• Leave leftover cooking oil, fat and food to cool and put it in the bin
• Chemicals, solvents, engine oil and paint should be taken to your local refuse or recycling site
• Medicines, tablets, syringes and needles should be taken to your pharmacist, hospital or health authority for safe disposal.

There is more advice at the following webpage http://binit.thameswater.co.uk/