Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale MP David Mundell is backing a new Scottish Water campaign aimed at tackling the inappropriate disposal of kitchen and bathroom waste, which can cause blockages, sewer flooding and pollution.
Scottish Water says the best way to tackle blocked drains and sewer flooding is to work together with their customers to help prevent blockages that can clog up the cycle in the first place.
Every year there are over 40,000 blocked drains and sewers across Scotland. This can leave you with the hassle of having to get a blocked drain fixed ; cause other drains and sewers to block, flooding you and your neighbours and pollute rivers and burns in your local area
“Around 80% of the blockages that clog up our drains are caused by either inappropriate items being put down the toilet, or fat, oil and grease being put down the sink, and that is why it is important that everyone is careful about what they put down the sink or toilet,” said the local MP.
The campaign has been developed following feedback from customers and employees, with Scottish Water asking everyone to follow some simple tips that will help save our drains, protect our homes and the local environment.
In the bathroom, only flush body waste and toilet paper down the toilet. Everything else should go in the bin.
In the kitchen: As fat, oil and grease cool they congeal, harden and stick to the inside of drains and sewers. This builds up over time, which can cause blocked pipes and flooding. Instead, leave to cool and then scrape into a sealable container and put it in the bin.