Bin it, don’t sink it to avoid a Christmas headache, says Water Corporation

A 'pipe monster' pulled from a wastewater pump station in March 2022

• More than 1,000 preventable wastewater blockages across WA in 2022
• Fats, oils, and grease can clog the wastewater network, leading to overflows
• Think before you flush – only the 3Ps down the toilet

Water Corporation is reminding Western Australians not to pour fats, oils and grease from those festive feasts down the drain this Christmas after responding to 1,152 preventable wastewater blockages state-wide in 2022.

Fats, oils, and grease washed down the kitchen sink can solidify in wastewater pipes, creating blockages also known as fatbergs. 

Non-flushable products like wet wipes, paper towels, cotton buds, and sanitary items can also cause major blockages when flushed down the toilet instead of being put in a bin. 

Fatbergs are a significant problem across the state, costing some $1.1 million to unclog this year alone. 

Water Corporation Operations Manager Barry Ford said disposing of waste correctly could save a costly Christmas headache.   

“Responding, repairing and cleaning up blockages caused by things like rags and solidified oils is expensive, time-consuming and something that is entirely preventable,” Mr Ford said. 

“One of the biggest problems over the festive period is fats, oils, and grease. While our stomachs might enjoy Christmas lunch, the wastewater system does not, and pouring them down the sink can cause serious blockages.  

“It’s important for everyone to do their bit by correctly disposing of fats, oils and grease in the bin and only flushing the 3Ps – pee, poo, and toilet paper – down the toilet.

“Doing the right thing will mean the only jolly man to visit your house this festive season will be in a red suit bringing gifts, and not a plumber you’ve had to call out.”

Unsurprisingly, the Perth and Peel (979 blockages) region recorded the highest number of wastewater blockages in 2022, with Baldivis, Mount Lawley, Wembley, and Nedlands the worst offending suburbs.  

Regionally, the Great Southern and North West experienced 74 and 61 blockages respectively, while numbers were comparatively low in the South West (15), Goldfields and Agricultural (14) and Mid West (nine) regions. 

To report a wastewater overflow or other issue, phone Water Corporation’s 24-hour Faults, Emergencies and Security line on 13 13 75.

Media contact:
Water Corporation media team (24/7)
P: (08) 9420 2555
E: media@watercorporation.com.au

Wastewater blockages in 2022 – regional breakdown

Wastewater blockages in 2022 – top 10 Perth metropolitan suburbs

Think before you flush advice:

Do:

• Let fats and oils cool and solidify before scraping into the bin.
• Before washing pots, pans, and dishes, scrape the food into the bin and wipe with dry paper towels, then throw those paper towels into the bin.
• Place a sink strainer over the drain when rinsing dishes, or when peeling or cutting food, then throw the leftover scraps into the bin.Place a bin in the bathroom to remind guests not to flush sanitary items and other non-flushable material down the toilet.

NB Place food scraps and paper towels in the lime green-lidded bin if you have the 3-bin Food Organics, Garden Organics (FOGO) system.

Do NOT:

• Pour boiling water down the sink to try and dissolve the fat. Doing so will only melt the oil, which will eventually cool down and solidify in the pipes, leading to blockages. 
• Flush non-flushable items – including wet wipes, tissues, paper towel, cotton buds, sanitary products, and nappies. Please dispose of these products in the rubbish bin. 

A fatberg pulled from a wastewater pump station in October 2022