News

Ghoulies and ghosties and long legged beasties, and things that go bump in the night are normally the things to look out for on Halloween but, this year, Severn Trent is also asking people to fear the FOG.

The company is asking homeowners across the Midlands to not put fat, oil and grease down the drain or flush wet wipes down the toilet this Halloween or things could take a turn for the frightful as congealed fat binds together into monstrous “fatbergs” that block the pipes and mean waste water can come back to haunt them.

Severn Trent has revealed it deals with around 50,000 blockages a year, two thirds of them caused simply by people putting things they shouldn’t down sinks and toilets.

Grant Mitchell from Severn Trent, said: “Halloween is the time of year when there’s lots of parties and that can mean an people paying less attention to what they’re putting down the drain or flushing down the toilet – and that could lead to a frightful mess for everyone in their street.

“This year we’re trying to help people avoid a scare when they find their pipes blocked, with terrible things returning to haunt them in their homes.

“Apart from fats and oils, and wet wipes, the remains of pumpkins are an additional headache at this time of year, joining the usual grisly messes we find in the shape of baby wipes and congealed fat that really belong in the bin, not down the drain.

“There’s a simple trick to enjoying a treat this Halloween – don’t flush unsuitable items down the loo or the drain.”

Severn Trent also runs a programme which helps to advise food businesses on the best ways to dispose of oils and fats caused by cooking.

You can find out more about Severn Trent's battle with FOG at https://www.stwater.co.uk/about-us/environment/bag-it-and-bin-it/