Help stop sewer blockages, South West Water urges public

South West Water is urging the public to help avoid sewer blockages in the region.

The water company said that sewers can become blocked when wet wipes, cleansing pads and sanitary products combine with waste fat, cooking oil and grease poured down sinks.

The water company said that in 2021 it removed over 450 tonnes of "unflushables" from its pumping stations, which it claims is the "equivalent of 73 million wet wipes and 30 double decker buses".

The advice comes as part of the national 'Unblocktober' campaign.

South West Water's Operations Director - Wastewater Iain Vosper said: "When fat, cooking oil and grease mix with wrongly flushed items such as wet wipes, hygiene wipes, cleaning wipes, cleansing pads and sanitary products it causes blocked sewers which can lead to flooding in homes and in the environment.

"Every year we deal with around 8,500 blocked sewers across our region, around one every hour, and these can increase the risk of flooding and damage to customers' homes and properties.

"That's why we're asking customers to play their part by only flushing the three Ps – pee, paper and poo – down the loo, and avoid pouring fats, oils and greases down the sink."