Drains

The pipes in your home are designed to carry wastewater away to the main sewer system. They're not designed to handle everything, though, so knowing what not to flush or pour down the drain is crucial.

Most residential pipes are made of plastic or copper and are a specific diameter to allow for the flow of liquids. Introducing the wrong materials can restrict or completely block these pipes.

Even if they're labelled as "flushable," wet wipes are a major culprit when it comes to drain blockages.

Unlike toilet paper, which breaks down quickly in water, wet wipes are often made from strong, non-biodegradable materials. They don't disintegrate and can clump together, creating significant blockages in your pipes and the wider sewer system. 

These blockages can lead to costly repairs and even sewage backups. Always dispose of wet wipes in the bin, never flush them.

As Thames Water states: "Wet wipes – even the ones labelled ‘flushable’ – don’t break down in the sewers and can cause blockages."

Fatbergs are a major problem across the UK and can cause significant damage to the drainage system. They’re large masses of congealed fat, oil, grease, and other non-biodegradable materials (like wet wipes) that build up in sewers.

Fatbergs form when fats, oils, and grease (FOG) are poured down the sink. These substances cool and solidify, sticking to the sides of pipes and trapping other debris.

Over time, these build-ups grow into massive blockages.

To avoid blockages and protect our environment, never put the following down your drains:

• Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG): This includes cooking oil, butter, margarine, lard, and food scraps containing grease. Instead, let FOG cool, and bin it.
• Wet wipes (even if labelled "flushable"): As already mentioned, these belong in the bin.
• Paper towels, tissues, and cotton balls: These regularly used items don't break down like toilet paper and can cause blockages. Put them in the bin, please.
• Sanitary products: From the tiniest tampon to larger sanitary pads, wrap them in tissue or a paper bag and off to the bin with them.
• Nappies: These are a major source of blockages and should never ever be flushed.
• Medications: Don't flush medicines (in any form) down the toilet. Take them to your local pharmacy and ask them about the safest way to get rid of them.
• Chemicals: Household chemicals, paints, and solvents should be taken to your recycling centre. They can harm the environment and damage the plumbing.
• Food scraps: Food waste can cause blockages and make your plugholes pong. It’s best to compost food waste where possible or put it in your food waste bin.

• Bin it, don't flush it: This is the golden rule!
• Scrape ALL food scraps into the bin.
• Let FOG cool and dispose of it in the bin not down the sink.
• Use a drain strainer in the plug to catch hair, food scraps, and other debris.
• Regularly flush your drains with hot water to stop build up of grease and fats.

If you experience a blocked drain, try using a plunger or drain snake to clear the blockage.

If these methods don't work, please report it as a repair via the My Habinteg tenant portal or contact our Customer Service Team at direct@habinteg.org.uk or on 0300 365 3100.

We hope this information is helpful. By following these simple guidelines, we can all do our part to keep our drains clear and our community healthy!