Londoners are being urged to think twice before pouring Christmas dinner leftovers down the sink, as festive gravy and cooking fats pose a serious flood risk to homes and rivers.
The Festive Fatberg Threat
Thames Water has issued a stark warning ahead of the holiday season, revealing that 80 per cent of sewer blockages this year were caused by items incorrectly discarded into the drains. The water company is specifically targeting the traditional Christmas menu, highlighting that oil from roast potatoes, leftover gravy, butter from vegetables, and fats from basted meats or pigs in blankets can solidify in cold pipes.
This congealed waste mixes with other non-flushable items to form massive 'fatbergs', which block drains and sewers. Since April, Thames Water has visited 4,000 restaurants across the capital to educate business owners on the dangers of pouring fats, oils, and grease (FOG) away.
Avoid a Plumbing Nightmare
Tess Fayers, Waste and Bioresources Director at Thames Water, emphasised the importance of responsible disposal. "We want all of our customers to be able to enjoy a festive season with free flowing pipes and unrestricted toilet use," she said.
Fayers warned against a common misconception, stating: "I'm afraid extra hot, soapy water doesn't help as some would believe. Sadly, all too often, fats, oils and greases can build up in our sewers, mix with other nasties and cause our sewers to block. In the worst cases, this can lead to homes and rivers becoming flooded with sewage."
The company's clear advice is to only flush the 'three Ps': paper, poo, and pee. Everything else, especially festive food waste, belongs in the bin.
How to Dispose of Festive Fats Safely
Preventing a post-Christmas plumbing emergency doesn't require cancelling the festivities, just adopting a few simple habits:
- Preserve or Freeze Gravy: Leftover gravy can be saved for future meals. For small amounts, soak it up with kitchen roll and put it in the general waste.
- Collect and Solidify Fats: Pour cooled fats, oils, and grease into a container like a jar, yoghurt pot, or wrapped in foil. Once solid, wrap it securely and place it in the bin. Check if your local council accepts fats in food waste collections.
- Use a Sink Strainer: A simple sink strainer catches food scraps that could contribute to blockages. Empty the contents into your food or general waste bin.
- Plan Ahead: When doing your festive food shop, consider how you will dispose of waste to ensure a smooth celebration.
Thames Water is encouraging residents to share these tips with friends and family to help protect London's sewer network and keep everyone's pipes flowing freely throughout the holiday period.
