Fatbergs are not only found in the UK. This is a global problem affecting many urban areas with large populations around the world.
What are fatbergs?
Fatbergs form when fat, oil, and grease congeal and combine with non-biodegradable items such as wet wipes, sanitary products and other debris. This creates a large, solid mass in the sewer.
What countries experience fatbergs?
Many cities in the US have experienced fatberg issues, including New York City, San Francisco and Detroit. These fatbergs often cause significant blockages. Australian cities like Sydney and Melbourne have reported fatberg problems too.
Apart from the UK, other European cities like Amsterdam and Berlin have dealt with fatbergs. The dense population and ageing infrastructure in many European cities contribute to the problem. In Asia, cities like Mumbai and Tokyo face challenges with fatbergs due to the high density of people and the common practice of disposing of cooking oil and other waste down the drain.
What causes fatbergs?
Higher population densities and increased urbanisation lead to more fatberg issues due to the larger volumes of waste produced. The incorrect disposal of cooking fats, oils, grease and non-biodegradable items is also a major factor in fatberg formation. Older sewer systems, which may not be designed to handle modern waste disposal practices, are more susceptible to blockages. According to the BBC, a fatberg weighing 35 tonnes was cleared from an east London sewer in May.
How can I unblock my own system?
Drain jetting, also known as high-pressure water jetting, is an effective method used to clean and unblock drains and sewer systems. This technique involves using a hose with a high-pressure water jet to remove blockages. If you require drain jetting Ascot, professionals such as https://www.drainpower.co.uk/drainage-services/drain-jetting/ascot have experts on hand.
How can cities prevent fatbergs from forming?
Many cities have launched awareness campaigns to educate people about the proper disposal of oils and non-flushable items. Sewer authorities often conduct regular inspections to identify and remove fatbergs. Some regions have put in place stricter regulations regarding the disposal of fats, oils and grease from places like restaurants.
