How to Get Rid of Fatbergs Safely: The Ultimate Guide

You may have heard of the modern phenomena of fatbergs, giant blockages in sewers caused by congealed food waste, toiletries and other non-biodegradable solids. They are a big problem for water companies, who spend millions clearing them and repairing the damage they cause.

Smaller versions of fatbergs can form in your own pipes, particularly if you have a large or complex plumbing system. Water companies are unlikely to assist with their removal when they form within your own boundary, so in this blog post we’re looking at how to clear a fatberg in your own pipes, as well as the causes and warning signs associated with their formation. Let’s begin.

Fatbergs are blockages that form in both private pipes and public sewers when waste products coalesce and gradually grow as more waste is assimilated. The biggest contributors are food waste products, particularly fats, oils and grease (FOG) and food sediment.

Flushed toiletries are another major factor, as wet wipes, cotton buds, dental floss and other non-flushable items all congeal together with the FOG, creating hard, stubborn masses.

Before we talk about how to remove a fatberg, it’s worth looking at what causes them. The biggest single reason is allowing waste such as FOG and toiletries to get into the sewer in the first place. The simple matter is that FOG should never be poured down the sink (it’s illegal for commercial kitchens to do this), and only human waste and toilet paper should ever be flushed into the sewers – this includes anything labelled as “flushable” – there really is no such thing.

The issue can be exacerbated by Britain’s ageing sewer system, most of which was never built to deal with 21st-century attitudes and eating habits. All it takes is for a wet wipe to get snagged on an old piece of brickwork in the sewer, and it then begins to collect the grease out of the water, which in turn catches more solids, and the process just repeats until the entire sewer is blocked.

Giant fatbergs may occasionally make the news, but they can form in smaller pipes on private property too, and your water company won’t have a legal obligation to unblock it. Let’s now look at how to get rid of fatbergs like these.

If you notice any of these signs, it may be that a fatberg is forming in your system:

Spotting these signs early can save you time, money and hassle.

Caught early enough, traditional methods may be enough to get your pipes flowing again, but it’s important to note that most fatbergs are discovered quite late in the process. Because they can solidify to a consistency like concrete, many fatbergs will require professional intervention to clear.

Here at Aqua Mundus we provide professional drain cleaning services, and can use a CCTV drain survey to locate blockages and high-pressure drain jetting and robotic cutting to help clear the issue. If you’ve researched how to get rid of fatbergs and nothing has worked, it may be time to call the experts.

A simple first step when removing a fatberg is to use boiling water. Carefully pour it down the affected drain or sink to melt grease and help loosen debris. Repeating the process may help with small blockages.

Combining half a cup of vinegar with baking soda forms a natural cleaning solution. The fizzing reaction can help to break down grease and other minor debris. Carefully flush it through with boiling water to clear any loosened materials.

For tougher blockages, caustic soda is a possible option. Sprinkle a small amount directly into the drain or sink and add water. Always wear protective gear and follow the instructions, as caustic soda can be hazardous if misused or mixed with other chemicals.

Chemical drain cleaners are designed to dissolve grease and other organic materials and can sometimes be effective. But use them sparingly and according to their instructions, as excessive use can harm your pipes and the wider environment. They can also be a danger to your skin and eyes, so use them with caution.

A drain rod or snake can be ideal for manually breaking up stubborn blockages and fatbergs. Insert the tool into the pipe, rotate it, and then pull out debris. This method is particularly effective for larger, solidified blockages.

If you deal with a lot of FOG, you should have a grease trap installed. Not only is it a legal requirement for hot food commercial kitchens and caterers, but it’s also the first line of defence against fatbergs forming. We know grease traps inside out, including their history, how they function and the many different types of grease trap available. We can perform a free site survey and recommend the ideal solution for you.

Whatever the cause, we know how to get rid of fatbergs, so if it just won’t budge, get in touch with professionals at Aqua Mundus and one of our experts will soon be with you.