What Are Fatbergs and Why Are They a Growing Problem?

Fatbergs are one of those issues that often go unnoticed, until they become a huge, costly problem. Imagine a giant, hidden mass of congealed fat, oils, wet wipes, and other waste clogging up sewers, doesn’t sound ideal, right?

So, what exactly is a fatberg, and more importantly, how can we help prevent them? 

What Is a Fatberg?

A fatberg is essentially a giant block of fat, grease, oils, and other waste that solidifies in a sewer system. It forms when cooking oils, fats, and greasy substances are poured down the drain, where they mix with non-biodegradable materials like wet wipes, nappies, and food scraps. Over time, this sludge hardens and causes massive blockages in the sewer system, leading to costly repairs, environmental issues, and sometimes even sewage backups into homes, businesses or streets.

These fatbergs can weigh thousands of tons, and the more we ignore them, the bigger they get.

Why Are Fatbergs a Growing Problem?

Fatbergs are becoming an increasingly serious issue for a few key reasons:

Improper Disposal of Cooking Oils: Many of us pour leftover cooking oils or fats down the sink without thinking. Unfortunately, this creates a sticky mess that hardens and builds up in sewer pipes over time.

Rising Use of Wet Wipes: Despite their "flushable" labels, wet wipes don’t break down the way toilet paper does. When flushed, they contribute to the fatberg build-up, getting stuck in pipes and mixing with grease.

Growing Population: As urban populations grow and sewer systems get more use, the risk of fatbergs grows with it. More people using the same sewer lines means more waste, leading to bigger fatbergs.

How Can We Help Prevent Fatbergs?

Fatbergs cause problems like blocked sewers and environmental damage, something that can be avoided by taking preventative steps like these:

1. Don’t Pour Grease Down the Drain

One of the easiest ways to help prevent fatbergs is to stop pouring cooking oils, grease, and fats down the sink. Instead, let the grease cool and dispose of it in the trash. You can even store it in a container and throw it away when it hardens. It's a simple habit that can save our sewers from a lot of unnecessary blockages.

2. Dispose of Wet Wipes Properly

Even if the packaging says they’re “flushable,” wet wipes don’t break down like toilet paper. They get stuck in pipes and add to the fatberg problem. The best thing to do is throw them in the bin, not the toilet. 

3. Use Drain Covers

Sometimes, food scraps and other debris can sneak into the drain without us realising it. Installing drain covers in sinks or showers can prevent larger particles from going down the drain and mixing with oils and grease. This simple step can reduce the chances of a fatberg forming.

4. Work with Professionals to Monitor Sewer Systems

If you run a business or manage a property, consider working with a professional waste water management company, like we are serious, to monitor and maintain your sewage systems. Regular inspections and proactive care can help avoid large blockages from fatbergs, saving you from expensive repairs and possible property damage.

How Can Our Waste Management Services Help?

At we are serious, we play a crucial role in preventing and managing fatbergs that threaten sewer systems. Here are just a few of the ways that we can help prevent fatbergs from causing issues for homes and businesses across the UK:

Regular Sewage System Maintenance

We provide routine maintenance services for sewage and waste water systems. Our team conducts inspections and cleaning to ensure that any early signs of fat buildup or blockages are detected and dealt with before they become major issues.

Grease Trap Installation & Maintenance

For businesses that deal with large amounts of cooking grease, such as restaurants, cafés, and food manufacturers, we offer grease trap installation and maintenance services. These traps catch grease, oils, and fats before they enter the sewage system, preventing the formation of fatbergs. Regular maintenance of these traps ensures they remain effective in reducing waste build-up.

Consultation

Our sewage and waste experts believe that education plays a key role in preventing fatbergs. We offer consultations to businesses, councils, and even local residents to raise awareness about proper waste disposal and how to avoid contributing to the fatberg problem.

Contact Us for Sewage System Maintenance

Whether you manage a home, business, or large commercial facility, regular maintenance of your private sewage system is essential to avoid costly repairs and prevent failures. Contact our sewage and waste management company today for more information.