Preventing Blockages

Each year, Pickering and Ferens Homes raises a large number of orders for contractors to attend to blocked drains, sewers and pipes. Usually the causes of these blockages are easily avoidable. In an endeavour to make our budgets work to the best advantage of our residents we would like to take this opportunity to remind everyone of the best way to dispose of everyday items.

Causes

• Blockages usually occur when fat, grease and cleaning products are disposed of incorrectly.
• Fat, oil, and grease are created from food preparation and left-overs. Sources may include meat fats, food scraps, lard/shortening, baking ingredients, butter, and margarine, cooking oil, sauces and dairy products.

What can be done to prevent blockages?

• Never pour fat, oil, or grease down your sink, toilet, in-sink disposal unit or drain
• Dispose of fat, oil, and grease in your brown bin (if you have one).
• Before rinsing your dishes, scrape off the grease and food scraps, wipe with paper towel and place them in your brown bin (if you have one).
• Allow fat, oil, and grease in pots and pans to cool and solidify. Then wipe out with a paper towel and place in your brown bin (if you have one) to be composted. Use a sink strainer to prevent food particles from going down the drain.

Wet wipes

Due to a big increase in use, these are becoming a major issue. Even though some manufacturers will tell you that it is safe to do so, baby wipes, wet wipes, polish wipes, antibacterial wipes, cosmetic wipes, sanitary items or incontinence pads must NOT be disposed of down the toilet. These products do not break down and degrade easily. These products must be disposed of in your black bin please.

Your co-operation in helping us to reduce costs and provide the best service to residents is appreciated.