Beware halloween horrors in the sewer

Creeping through drains and sewers, the gooey menace clings to pipes, causing blockages which threaten to flood homes with wastewater.

The ghastly greasy mass is formed of congealed cooking oil which has been poured down kitchen sinks. The oil solidifies as it cools, combining with wet wipes to clog up pipes in people’s homes and in the public sewer.

In the last 18 months there have been almost 50 blockages caused by congealed cooking oil and wet wipes in the Rye and Battle area.

Southern Water spokesman Simon Judd said: “People don’t realise what this oil does to their pipes. I like nothing better than cooking sausages in a greasy pan. But when I’m done I always let the oil cool in an old yoghurt pot and then throw it in the bin.

“Customers can help prevent blockages by putting used oil in the bin and by only flushing the three Ps – pee, poo and paper. Everything else should be put in the bin.”

To find out more about Southern Water’s Pain in the Drain campaign visit www.southernwater.co.uk/paininthedrain