It’s Unblocktober – will you change your habits to save your drains?

National campaign calls for better drain blockage awareness

You may be wondering what on earth Unblocktober is? Well, it’s a month-long national campaign to improve the health of Britain’s drains, sewers, rivers, and seas by making people aware of what they can put down the sink and toilet, and what they really shouldn’t.

What you CAN put down the toilet

Despite what some products may say, the only items you should be putting down the toilet are the 3 Ps:

• Pee
• Poo
• Paper – toilet paper only, even facial tissues don’t break down in the same way

What you CANNOT put down the toilet

While it may seem totally fine, and even the most hygienic thing to do, you should never put the following down the toilet:

• Wet wipes – even if they say they’re flushable
• Sanitary products – including nappies
• Dental floss

What you CAN put down the sink

Kitchen sinks are also prone to becoming blocked. Here is what is permissible to wash down the sink:

• Water
• Soap suds
• Liquids such as drinks

What you CANNOT put down the sink

These things can all cause major issues:

• Oils
• Fats
• Food waste

Any of the items in the ‘CANNOT’ categories can create big problems in your drains, sewers, and even out into rivers and seas.

Not just an environmental issue

Items that should not be in our sewage system cause huge environmental damage in rivers and seas, so this is a huge reason for being more careful. But it’s not the only consideration. These items solidify and clump together in drains and pipes and cause blockages. That could be an issue that water providers have to resolve but it could equally be something that you have to deal with at your own expense.

Blocked drains on your own property are your responsibility and resolving the issue can range from dismantling the pipes under your sink to having to dig your garden up and replace drains, and that can be very expensive as well as disruptive, so good sink and toilet practice is vital.

You can see more advice and information, including free anti-blockage kits, around Unblocktober from Yorkshire Water.

If you think you may already have some issues with blocked drains (smelly drains, water not draining away properly, water backing up etc), we offer a full range of drainage services, including non-disruptive drain investigations. Call us on 0333 577 0151 or complete the enquiry form.