Every October, Unblocktober brings a vital but often overlooked issue into the spotlight – our sewers.
It may not be the most glamorous topic, but the health of our sewer systems plays a critical role in protecting our environment, waterways, homes, and communities. Blockages caused by household waste and environmental debris are more than just a nuisance – they lead to fatbergs, pollution, flooding, and costly repairs.
The good news is most of these problems are completely avoidable and it starts with the choices we make at home.
What Is Unblocktober?
Unblocktober is a national campaign that encourages people across the UK to rethink what they put down their drains, sinks, and toilets. It’s all about education and action.Helping us all understand what doesn’t belong in the sewers and how small changes in our habits can lead to a cleaner, more sustainable system.
By changing what we pour, flush, and discard, we can prevent blockages before they happen.
What Causes Sewer Blockages?
The main culprits behind sewer blockages are often things we don’t think twice about:
- Fats, oils, and grease (FOG): When poured down the sink, they cool and solidify in pipes, creating huge build-ups known as fatbergs.
- Wet wipes and sanitary products: Even those labelled “flushable” don’t break down like toilet paper and can tangle with other debris, causing major clogs.
- Food scraps and coffee grounds: These may seem harmless but can stick to other materials and build up over time.
- Plastic waste and litter: When washed into drains outside, they can contribute to environmental blockages and pollution.
Why Does It Matter?
Blocked sewers don’t just cause backups in your home – they lead to serious environmental damage:
- Fatbergs can grow to enormous sizes, blocking entire sections of sewer systems.
- Flooding from backed-up pipes can damage homes and businesses.
- Water pollution occurs when sewage overflows into rivers, lakes, and seas.
- Wildlife harm increases as waste enters natural ecosystems.
- Carbon footprint rises due to the energy and resources needed to clear blockages and repair damaged infrastructure.
How You Can Help This Unblocktober
1. Think Before You Flush
Only flush the 3 Ps – Pee, Poo, and (Toilet) Paper. Everything else – wipes, cotton buds, sanitary products, floss – must go in the bin, not the loo.
2. Stop Pouring FOG Down the Drain
Fats, oils, and grease belong in the food waste bin. Let them cool, scrape them into a container, or use absorbent paper to dispose of them properly.
3. Use Sink Strainers
Simple sink strainers catch food scraps and coffee grounds before they reach your pipes. A small change that makes a big difference.
4. Dispose of Household Chemicals Safely
Never pour paint or chemicals down the drain. Where possible, avoid pouring cleaning products, down them too. Contact your local council for proper disposal methods of anything you’re unsure on.
5. Keep Outdoor Drains Clear
Leaves, litter, and other outdoor debris often end up blocking storm drains. Sweep fallen leaves regularly and do litter picks around your home to try and avoid items a getting washed into street drains.
Education Is Everything
Unblocktober is about building better habits – not just for a month, but for the long term. Whether it’s teaching kids not to flush wipes or sharing tips with neighbours, small conversations can spark big change. You might even introduce them to Greenredeem and let us take the heavy lifting from you to educate those around you.
Many people simply don’t realise the impact of their daily habits. Unblocktober remind us that being environmentally responsible doesn’t always mean buying something new – often, it’s about doing less of the wrong thing.
Your Drains, Your Responsibility
Taking care of our sewers isn’t just a job for water companies or councils – it starts at home. By making a few small, intentional changes, we can all help reduce pollution, prevent flooding, and protect our precious water systems.
So, this Unblocktober, ask yourself – what can I stop flushing or pouring away? Your pipes (and the planet) will thank you for it.
