Southern Water is encouraging customers to be careful about what they put down sinks and loos to prevent sewer blockages and flooding in homes during the Coronavirus lockdown.
Only three Ps should go down your loo – pee, poo and toilet paper. Flushing inappropriate items such as wet wipes, kitchen roll, sanitary towels and cotton pads an ear buds can lead to the clogging up of the sewer network and could lead to sewage flooding your home or your neighbours’ home.
Putting fat, oil and grease down the sink can also blockages and there are simple ways to dispose of them.
“Now more than ever during this very difficult time where most people are at home, we ask them to think carefully, and think neighbourly, about the risks of putting inappropriate items down sinks and loos,” says Elvira Gabos, who leads the Fat Oil Grease and Unflushables team at Southern Water.“We’re currently being called to more blocked sewers in residential areas, which is keeping our teams busy. During this lockdown our teams are having to attend customer premises and keep customers’ essential services working – but we need the help and support of our customers to avoid any nasty consequences.
“Only human waste and toilet paper should be flushed – not kitchen roll and especially not wet wipes. We thank everyone for being mindful and together we can keep our sewers flowing as they should.”
If we are called to your home during these difficult times, there some things people can do to keep everyone safe.
Head of Wastewater Collection at Southern Water, Peter Stakim, said: “If you’re self-isolating because of contact with Covid-19, please tell us immediately when you call – and make sure the message has got through to those attending.
When we’re working in your home, allow our staff to if possible, open a window or outside door in the area they are working for ventilation.Our team may request you go into another room and we hope you understand why this is necessary. Please make sure you stay two metres away from our people in line with government advice.And for now, cups of tea aren’t welcome.
“We hope customers will understand why these necessary measures are required.”
Notes to Editors
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There are lots of tips and advice on our website to keep our sewer network clear, such as putting cooled fats into an old jam jar or butter tub before throwing it away. Nappies, sanitary items and condoms go into the bin.
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There’s also information about the award-winning Unflushables project and an interactive digital app on our Keep it clear page.
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In line with government advice on COVID-19, we’re doing everything we can to protect our employees and customers, while making sure that we continue to supply you with water and wastewater services.
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More information can be found on covid 19.