Water company fatberg warning after fairy lights flushed down toilet

Southern Water has said fatbergs clog up the network around this time of year, with fat, grease and other items put down sinks and flushed.

Flooded toilets, kitchens and neighbourhoods are possible, the utilities firm warned.

It revealed an image of Christmas lights flushed down the toilet, and a separate image of a fatberg that caused a block in Winchester High Street in 2022.

In Hampshire there have been 26,932 sewer blockages over the past five years.

Head of Southern Water’s wastewater network, Alex Saunders said: “No-one likes a nasty surprise over the festive season and our sewers are no different.

"This is the time of year where we see an increase in blockages, and so many of these can be easily avoided.

“A blocked sewer can cause flooding to homes and businesses and unclogging them can take a lot of time, effort and disruption for local communities.

"So please only flush the three Ps down the toilet (pee, paper and poo) and avoid putting oils and grease down the drain too."

A fatberg that caused a blockage in Winchester High Street in late 2022 (Image: Southern Water)

Around 2540 tonnes of fat and oil ends up in the sewers for every million turkeys cooked.

Footballs, T-shirts and cutlery have previously been found in the sewers.

Southern Water said fat, oil and grease should never go down the drain. They should be cooled in a container and then put in the bin.

Vegetable peelings can be composted, and cooked foods put in the bin.

Yoghurts and sauces should be binned, not washed down the sink.

Nappies, baby wipes, and sanitary products should be bagged and binned, the company said. Ear buds, dental floss, razors and cotton pads should go in the bin.

A spokesman added: "If you’re one of our many customers already disposing of household waste in this way, thank you.

"Make one of your New Year’s Resolutions to keep it clear, and you’ll be doing your bit to prevent blockages and flooding."