‘Life flows better when you bin it – don’t block,’ it says Thames Water. Below is a list of their handy tips on how to prevent blocked pipes around your home. For more information visit thameswater.co.uk. Remember to try to Reduce, Reuse and Recycle
| Product | Place | Preferred Action |
| Leftovers | Kitchen | Bin it Do not tip old food down the kitchen sink instead scrape it in to your bin, preferably a food waste bin if you have one. Soak up liquid food with some kitchen roll and dispose of in the bin. |
| Fat, oil and grease | Kitchen | Bin it These products turn solid and build up in the pipes. Instead allow them to cool in a container. Once they have set, they can be scooped into the food waste bin. Alternatively, porridge oats can be added to the liquid. Once the liquid has been soaked up, put the resulting ‘food’ on the bird table. Check with the local Council as they may have way to dispose of this waste. It is a myth that hot water and soap will break down oils and fats to keep pipes clear. This is because hot water and soap do not dissolve oils and fats. In fact, the soap may harden in the pipes, sticking to other items, making the problem worse. |
| Wipes, condoms, sanitary products, cotton wool, dental floss | Bathroom | Bin it. These products are some of the biggest offenders found in sewers. |
| Toilet paper | Bathroom | Flush it. Remember the three P’s when considering what should be flushed. Pee, poo, paper are the only items to flush. |
| Wet wipes | Bathroom | Bin it. Try an alternative where possible. Wet wipes contain plastic so they will not break down in the same way as toilet paper. The only exception is wipes with the ‘Fine to Flush’ mark |