Experts Warn of 'Fatbergs' as Brits Flush Bizarre Items

Plumbing systems across the UK are facing significant costs and damage due to the flushing of unusual items, according to a new report from Initial Washroom Hygiene. Experts have identified a range of bizarre objects, from e-cigarettes and mobile phones to pet fish and jewelry, being disposed of in toilets, leading to costly blockages and the formation of 'fatbergs'.

Jamie Woodhall, UK Technical and Innovations Manager at Initial Washroom Hygiene, explained that items like wet wipes, period products, nail clippings, and even leftover food do not break down easily in pipes. "Chucking things into the toilet may feel like a quick way to discard items... but these items do not break down easily or quickly and are likely to accumulate in your drainage systems," Woodhall stated.

An accompanying survey of 2,074 UK adults highlighted a concerning lack of awareness about what can and cannot be flushed. More than a quarter of respondents (26 percent) admitted they would flush a deceased pet fish. Other common items flushed include nail clippings (35 percent), paper towels (34 percent), dental floss (19 percent), and human hair (34 percent). Additionally, 19 percent admitted to flushing tampons, 16 percent flush contact lenses, and 13 percent dispose of condoms in the toilet.

The issue extends to kitchens, where 10 percent of Britons reportedly pour cooking oil, fat, or grease directly into their sinks. Woodhall warned that when these substances combine with other flushed items, they create ideal conditions for 'fatbergs' – congealed masses that can severely obstruct drainage.

Thames Water reports that it removes approximately 3.8 billion wet wipes annually, at a cost of around £18 million. Fatbergs, which are concrete-like slabs formed from flushed fats, oils, grease, and waste, can grow to immense sizes beneath cities. The largest recorded in the UK was a 750-meter (2,460 ft) obstruction found under London's South Bank in 2017, costing tens of millions to remove.

To combat this problem, Initial Washroom Hygiene advises following the 'three Ps' rule: only flush pee, poo, and paper. All other items, such as sanitary products and wet wipes, should be disposed of in a waste bin. In the kitchen, solid food waste and fats should be scraped into a compost caddy or bin before washing up, and sink strainers can help catch stray food scraps.

Residents are urged to watch for warning signs of potential blockages, including water backing up, persistent foul smells, or slow-draining sinks, and to seek professional help if issues arise.