Boroughs among worst in South East for sewer blockages

Neighbouring Hounslow is the worst with more than 1,200 blockages, caused by items which don’t break down in sewer pipes, such as wet wipes, nappies and sanitary products.

These can combine to create fatbergs, huge, solid masses which are difficult to clear and can cause raw sewage to build up.

In the London and South East list of shame, Hillingdon had 2,833 blockages and Ealing 2,606.

At the other end of the scale, Gravesham in Kent recorded just one blockage.

On average, Thames Water spends £18m every year clearing 75,000 blockages from the sewers.

Instead of pouring fats and oils down the sink, customers are advised to collect them in a container, such as a yogurt pot or jam jar, and leave them to cool down before scraping them in the bin.

Wet wipes, sanitary items, nappies and other toiletries should also be binned rather than flushed down the toilet.

Businesses that allow fat, grease and oil to get into sewers can face hefty fines and may even be forced to close.

www.thameswater.co.uk/be-water-smart/Bin-it