South West Water is urging customers to only flush the three Ps – pee, poo and paper – after its teams tackled more than 5,500 avoidable sewer blockages across the region in the last year.

That's the equivalent of more than 15 blockages every day, many caused by items such as wet wipes, sanitary products and fats, oils and grease (FOG) being flushed down toilets or poured down drains.

If left unchecked, these blockages can cause flooding to homes, gardens and streets, create unpleasant odours, damage the sewer network and increase the risk of pollution reaching rivers and seas.

That is why South West Water is supporting Unblocktober and encouraging customers to "Bin It, Don't Block It" by making simple changes to help keep wastewater flowing through the network.

Unblocktober is a month-long UK campaign encouraging people and businesses to prevent drain blockages and protect waterways by disposing of waste responsibly.

How blockages can have impact

Many people flush wet wipes down the loo or pour leftover cooking fat down the sink without realising the impact it can have on the sewer network.

Unlike toilet paper, wet wipes do not break down easily. When wipes mix with fats, oils and grease, they stick together and form stubborn Classification: BUSINESS blockages that can grow into giant, concrete-like masses known as fatbergs.

These blockages can lead to flooding, pollution incidents and costly repairs.

Tackling blockages before they become a problem

In the past year alone, South West Water has cleared thousands of avoidable blockages, with around three-quarters caused by two main things: wet wipes and fats.

As well as responding to blockages, the company works proactively to prevent them. Teams use monitoring technology to identify problem hotspots before they become an issue, carry out targeted sewer cleaning and work with food businesses to improve the way fats, oils and grease are managed and disposed of.

How customers can help

Blockages thrive on the things we put down our drains and toilets – but without a ‘food supply’, they can’t grow.

By making a few simple changes, everyone can help to starve fatbergs, keep our sewers flowing freely, and protect homes, communities and the environment.

Everyone can play their part by:

  • Only flushing the 3Ps – pee, poo, and paper.
  • Letting fats, oils and grease cool before placing them in a container or food waste bin.
  • Keeping wipes, sanitary products and other unflushable items out of toilets.
  • Ensuring food businesses install and maintain grease management equipment and follow good kitchen practices.

Jay Harris, Director of Wastewater Services at South West Water, said:

"Every day, our teams work hard to keep wastewater flowing through more than 25,000 kilometres of sewer network across the South West, but many of the blockages we deal with are entirely avoidable.

"Wet wipes, fats, oils and grease continue to be the biggest causes of blockages. When these materials enter the sewer network, they can build up over time, restricting flows and increasing the risk of flooding, pollution and damage to the network.

"While we are investing in new technology, carrying out targeted sewer cleansing and working closely with businesses to help prevent blockages, customers also have an important role to play.

"By only flushing the three Ps and keeping fats, oils and grease out of sinks and drains, we can all help protect our communities, our rivers and the environment."

For more information about South West Water's Bin It Don't Block It campaign visit Bin It, Don’t Block It.