THE ANNUAL campaign Unblocktober by Lanes Group and partnered with Severn Trent has returned, reminding people what can do down the loo.
The campaign urges people to ‘be a binner, not a blocker’ and offering advice on what can and can not be flushed down the toilet or poured into sinks.
Waste crews at Severn Trent cleared 28,782 blockages, which could’ have been avoided.
Grant Mitchell, sewer blockages lead at Severn Trent, said: “Our work preventing and clearing blockages is something we talk about all year round, but Unblocktober is the perfect time to reinforce the messages to our customers.
“Only the three P’s, that’s pee, poo and (toilet) paper, should be flushed down the toilet and everyone should avoid putting fats, oils and greases down the sink. Just making sure you follow these steps can avoid awful blockages in your home.”
Some of the worst things to cause blockages are wet wipes – even if the packaging said flushable – and fats, oils and grease when poured down the sink.
Grant added: “We clear a staggering number of blockages from the likes of wet wipes and other offenders such as nappies, sanitary products and even toys.
“We just want people to start thinking before they flush or pour anything down the sink.”
Through October, the water company are telling its ‘Sewer Stories’ and show the work completed by the team.
A spokesperson from Lanes Group, which organises Unblocktober, added: “Unblocktober is the first campaign driven by the British public and aims to continue to improve the health of our drains and reduce the environmental impact of our waste water.
“Now in our sixth year we are more committed than ever to continue to push the message to help people reduce their impact on the environment.
“For too long, we’ve disposed of harmful substances down our drains, leading to the creation of massive fatbergs that obstruct our sewers, reducing their efficiency and costing substantial amounts to clear. These blockages can cause severe environmental harm and disrupt ecosystems, contributing to increased pollution in our waterways.
“Let’s take the pledge together and save our sewers and seas.”
