Burton-on-Trent worst for blocked drains

  • Central
Example of grease-blocked drain Credit: Severn Trent

Burton-on-Trent is one of the worst towns in the region for blocked drains according to water company Severn Trent.

The firm have started an awareness campaign in the town to educate residents on what they're disposing of down their sinks and toilets.

The company says it spends £10 million each year cleaning out more than 700 kilometres of sewers which regularly become blocked.

On average there are 22,000 blockages annually and the cost of unblocking the drains are passed back onto the customer.

Severn Trent sewer service team Credit: ITV Central

Today a sewer service team is clearing drains and customer liaison officers are making house calls to speak to people living in Burton.

Leaflets will also be delivered to community centres and posted to houses in the worst affected areas advising people what not to flush down the plughole

Grease clinging to pips blocking a sewer Credit: Severn Trent

Forty percent of blockages come from sanitary products and a fifth come from waste grease and fat from cooking.

Over time cooking fat collects and solidifies causing drains to block and in the worst case flood.

Severn Trent have produced a list of the items which should not be put down the toilet or sink.

  • Sanitary products

  • Fat, oil, and grease -including butter, ghee, or frying oils

  • Cleansing wipes, baby wipes & facial wipes

  • Cotton buds & cotton wool

  • Tissues

  • Nappies

  • Kitchen roll

  • Condoms

  • Razors or needles

  • Medicine

  • Car oil, paint thinner or other chemicals

  • Bandages and plasters

  • Dental floss

  • Knickers & tights

  • Incontinence pads

The firm is also warning if a blockage happens in pipe work leading between a household and the main network, that the home owner will be liable to pay for the drains to be unblocked.

Severn Trent are giving out free fat traps to help prevent blocked drains, and have more advice on the responsibility it is to look after which bit of sewer on its website.