Fat in Sewer
Sorry to bring an unpleasant smell to the Christmas Festival, but whilst the traditional Christmas roast with all the trimmings may be one of the highlights of the festive season it could also be a hidden cause of flooding. Pouring leftover fat, oil and grease down the drain is a major cause of sewer and drain blockages.
Fat, oil and grease in liquid form may not appear to be a problem, but as it cools and hardens it can lead to leaks, overflows and even raw sewage flooding people’s flats. Even if hot soapy water is used, the fat will solidify on hitting the cold sewer walls and will collect other fat and debris. Over time this builds up, preventing the normal flow of waste water and debris passing through and consequently coming out of drains, sewers and potentially into your flat.
We do have programs of preventative maintenance to try to prevent blockages, nevertheless in any typical year we end up unblocking at least 2 or 3 drains. Please – allow the fat to solidify and dispose of it with the solid rubbish.
This is excellent advice, I too on a number of occasions have had to unblock a drain. Each time the culprit has been a build up of fat in the pipes.
Another problem that I have found, is using too much washing powder in your washing machine. This has a tendency of gradually building up washing powder deposits within the waste pipes.
Also if a pipe does become blocked because of washing powder, it sets like concrete and difficult to clear.